French Government Launches "Partners for Beijing Initiative"

Excerpt from the speech of Mme. Nicole Ameline, Minister of Gender Equality and Professional Equality, made in the session on the 10th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development, 14 October 2004

In March 2005, there will be the important meeting of the 10th anniversary of the Wortld Conference on Women, "Beijing Plus Ten." At that time, we will evaluate the implementation of the commitments we each made and exchange experience and best practices. But, and this is an important requirement, the promotion of women's rights and the place of women in society must advance because when the fundamental rights of women advance then the whole of society benefits, and democracy in the world is strengthened.

That is why our vigilance must remain complete along with our enthusiasm to celebrate Beijing Plus Ten.

This anniversary, at the dawn of the 21st century, requires a new mobilization because at a time of trementous changes in the world, of crucial environmental choices for the world we want to bequeath to our children, at a time when the univesal human rights must be reaffirmed everywhere in the world, the rights to gidnity and respect, the right to diversity, at this crucial time when relations between men and women must guide us to profound changes in society that will bring wealth and democracy, growth and social cohesion, at this time we must mobilize all our forces.

I solemnly launch here the Partners for Beijing initiative to allow us, with due respect for our differences, to consider the Beijing Platform in the light of the new stakes and challenges of the new century. The Beijing Platform Plus Ten represents a wholly modern approach to the issues that are being discussed in the great debates of th ebeginning of this centruy: the fight against the feminization of poverty in the world, the fight against violence against women, especially in armed conflicts, the defense of reproductive rights and access to heath services, the conservation of our planet and sustainable development, access to decent jobs, guarentee of civil rights, representation of women in decision making bodies. Through the Partners for Beijing Initiative, together with the United Nations, we must show our resolve for vigilance and for projects, so that the dynamic for equality between men and women in our societies leads to major progress in all areas.

I have come to say that France is determined to confront the challenges of the new century, not only progress for our societies, progress for democracy but also progress for mankind. And as Gabriel Garcia Marquez said, "Let's not ask what the century can bring us, let's say that it expects all from us."

Thank you.