General Debate of the 68th Session of the General Assembly - Reference to Gender Language

“The images of women and children being displaced and innocently killed, tug at my consciousness. Antigua and Barbuda gives its unconditional support to the preservation of the role of the United Nations and other organizations in working toward stabilization and peace in Syria and other conflict-ridden countries.”

General Reference/MDG: “Moreover, gender equality, empowerment of women and fighting with HIV/ AIDS have also been identified as progress areas.”

“In politics, so far 14,000 women are elected to the local government bodies and 70 to the Parliament. Five women are serving as Ministers and one as a Whip. Bangladesh is possibly the only nation today with women occupying the position of the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Deputy Leader, all at the same time. The reserved 30% of posts for women have succeeded many to reach high positions in the judicial, administrative, diplomatic and in the armed forces and law enforcing agencies.”

“Our policies of empowering the people, particularly the vulnerable, include social safety net programs; Vulnerable Group Feeding and Development; "Ashrayan" (Housing & Livelihood) for the homeless; monthly pensions for senior citizens, widows, destitute women, insolvent freedom fighters, the disabled, and maternity allowance for a total of 4.3 million people; food and nutrition security to 1.04 million rural people through "One House, One Farm" schemes, to name a few. The disadvantaged and the physically challenged are provided with education, skill development, and interest free loan for self employment. In the formal sector, one percent quota has been reserved for them.”

"Mr. President, Barbados believes that the Post-20l5 Development Agenda should involve commitments to gender equality and women's empowerment.”

"Empowerment of women should constitute one of the main building blocks of the post-2015 development agenda. Any development agenda will fall short if it does not include the empowerment of women as a key component.”

"A substantial portion of our national budget is allocated to health, education, infrastructure, human resource development, women and youth empowerment…In addition, we remain committed to providing quality life for all Botswana. In this regard, utmost priority is given to the implementation of poverty eradication programmes, with particular focus on vulnerable communities and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, the aged and persons with disabilities.”

“Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations states that the principal purposes of the Organization are to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among nations and to achieve international cooperation in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.”

“...we strongly condemn the use of the chemical weapons in Syria, as well as the indiscriminate use of force against the civilian population which has to date produced thousands of innocent victims, including women and children, and caused a serious humanitarian crisis wounding the universal conscience and seriously threatening peace and international security.”

“Please allow me to slightly break the protocol and start these words speaking about a humble woman, a Colombian woman called Marfa Zabala, who has to bear the pain in her heart day in and day out.

Two decades ago, armed members of illegal groups arrived to her village, located in the Colombian Caribbean, determined to impose their rule of terror.

Before her and her small children, they murdered her husband and two other relatives; they forced her to abandon her house, and burnt everything down.

She barely managed to save the corpses from the ashes, buried them right there, and fled from her parcel with her children, empty-handed. She only carried the weight of her tragedy.

Today, Marfa Zabala is a courageous and inspiring leader; a leader of the victims who is working for peace.

Sadly, there are thousands of cases like Marfa Zabala's in Colombia.”

“To achieve a sustainable future, we need a concurrent basis in strong institutions, in solidarity, justice and social development, with a more targeted approach to marginalized groups, including women's empowerment, as well as a strong respect for the environment and innovative growth.”

“Nowadays we witness all around the world how heavy the toll in armed conflicts and wars is. In any humanitarian crisis, those paying the highest price of the conflict are civilians, especially women and children.”

“Croatia will continue focusing its donor activities on gender and child-sensitive issues, on maternal health and prevention of mortality in children aged under five as well as on enhancing girls' education.”

“At the same time, unfinished business from the MDGs must figure prominently in the post-2015 development agenda. The focus should be on ending extreme poverty in one generation and promote sustainable development in all its dimensions. Empowerment of women and girls, and access to basic services such as health and education, must not drop off the agenda. On the contrary, we must commit to doing more to close these gaps.”

“Gender-based discrimination, including the denial of the rights of women and girls, remains the single most widespread driver of inequalities in today's world. For Denmark, it is critical that gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are reflected in the post-2015 agenda. This is also underscored by the High Level Panel report.”

“The international community must continue to assist that country to ensure that their efforts will bear fruit. As a long-term partner to Afghanistan Estonia remains committed to supporting it also after 2014, training and financing Afghan security forces, and continuing to support their educational progress, women's empowerment, rule of law and health care.”

“Women and girls, for example, are the main drivers of development in many societies. Not allowing them to fulfil their potential through education, decent job opportunities and essential health services, is to disregard the potential of half of humankind.”

“Successful mediation also calls for the full and equal participation of women at all stages. Women are certainly most often the victims of conflicts, but we should also understand that they are essential participants for any mediation efforts to bear long lasting successes.”

“We have enhanced the participation of women in political and economic life. (..) Sustainable development must include human rights.”

“Africa's substantial progress towards many goals, targets and indicators is beyond doubt, but serious challenges still remain, especially in translating economic growth into decent job opportunities, improving service delivery and minimizing income, gender and spatial inequalities”

“We are set to work diligently to ensure we close the gap in gender enrolment disparity and provide free education and an equitable chance for all to be literate.”

“Everywhere, men and women who want to live in freedom are confronted by the forces of tyranny. The question is: are we going to be actors or spectators in this confrontation?”

“Women account for more than 50 percent of Ghana's population. We believe that empowering them through education and encouraging them to take full control of their reproductive rights will not only help us realize our MDG goals faster, it will help us build a
better nation.”

"It's not enough to put girls in school and allow them just enough education to be deemed literate. We must keep them in school. Removing teen girls from school for any reason, let alone to marry them off, is an unacceptable practice that must end. African women have always been the backbone of our societies. Imagine the change they could effect in our countries if only we'd help them reach their full potential."

“We welcome the determination of the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace to accompany Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, in their efforts to reform sectors of security and defense, while I encourage youth employment and women's empowerment against the background of national reconciliation”

“ In Education, Health, Gender Equality policies, fight against Poverty, Environmental policies for Sustainable Development, as well as other areas, our country has made progress, though moderate and below satisfactory levels.”

“As required by the other noble millennium goal, the Haitian government, anxious to promote gender equity, has made significant efforts to ensure equality between men and women. If Haitian society has always given prominence to women, the Haitian government has initiated strong initiatives to allow women access to positions of responsibility in the public administration. And the cabinet over 35% of women, and large portfolios.”

“Still, much remains to be done to ensure full empowerment of Haitian women, particularly those with the most disadvantageous backgrounds. In Haiti, women deserve better access to education and health services.”

"What will serve as both a factor for and outcome of growth will be to mobilize the power of women, a point almost self-evident at this gathering…There is a theory called "womenomics," which asserts that the more the advance of women in society is promoted, the higher the growth rate becomes…Creating an environment in which women find it comfortable to work and enhancing opportunities for women to work and to be active in society is no longer a matter of choice for Japan. It is instead a matter of the greatest urgency."

“The national law on human rights, including the law on the rights of women and children, has been enacted and amended.”

“To achieve all MDGs, the country must continue to overcome daunting challenges such as child malnutrition, gender inequality in education, and impact by UXO contamination. Nevertheless.”

“Of particular concern to my delegation is the situation in Syria which poses a serious and growing threat to international peace and security. Scores of civilians continue to be the chief victims. Women and children and the elderly bear the brunt of the conflict. The use of chemical weapons in Syria is not only abhorrent, but also a crime against humanity. We condemn it in the strongest terms as it threatens to undermine the norm against the use of chemical weapons universally embraced by the international community. We welcome the partial report of the UN Team of Inspectors on the use of these weapons in Syria, and hope that the culprits will face the might of the international law and justice.”

Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level.

"First, Japan respects the activities of UN Women and intends to become one of its leading contributors and thus an exemplary country in the area. Japan will also work closely with relevant international organizations. Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level. Third, Japan will cooperate closely with not only UN Women but also the International Criminal Court and the office of Her Excellency Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the U N Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is a matter of outrage that there continues to be sexual violence against women during times of armed conflict even now, in the 21st century. Japan will do everything possible to prevent such crimes against women and to support both materially and psychologically those people who unfortunately become victims of such acts. Fourth, Japan will submit once more at the next session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women a draft resolution that gives careful consideration to women in natural disasters, as they are likely to be vulnerable.”

"Finally, what I hoped to convey through the tragic example of Islam Bibi is the importance of women's participation and protection in the areas of peace and security.
Japan intends to make efforts towards measures that will ensure the participation of women at all stages, including the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as peace-building, and that will also safeguard the rights and the physical well-being of women who are exposed to danger in times of conflict.”

Women played a crucial part. That is why throughout the Pacific we are supporting efforts to strengthen women's participation in policing through recruitment, retention, training and mentoring support. In the Philippines, Australia is funding women's participation in peace processes that bring together Muslim, Christian and Indigenous women.”

“Throughout the modern history of the Kingdom of Bahrain, going back two centuries, its leadership always been keen to interact with its people and engage in a dialogue with them in full transparency and commitment. Ever since His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa A1-Khalifa assumed the leadership of the country, the Kingdom has pursued its firm policy of laying down the foundations of the modern sovereign state based on sustainability, competitiveness, justice, constitutional and legislative reforms encompassing all aspects of political, economic, social and cultural life as well as human rights and the enhancement of the role of women in building a society faithful to its values and heritage.”

“In politics, so far 14,000 women are elected to the local government bodies and 70 to the Parliament. Five women are serving as Ministers and one as a Whip. Bangladesh is possibly the only nation today with women occupying the position of the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Deputy Leader, all at the same time. The reserved 30% of posts for women have succeeded many to reach high positions in the judicial, administrative, diplomatic and in the armed forces and law enforcing agencies.”

"Empowerment of women should constitute one of the main building blocks of the post-2015 development agenda. Any development agenda will fall short if it does not include the empowerment of women as a key component.”

“While these efforts...to eradicate sexual violence in conflict, to eliminate early forced marriage and to improve maternal and newborn health...are essential, we must do more than react to crises. We must invest in opportunities for women and girls. We must ensure that women participate fully in all parts of our society and in all the countries of these United Nations. This will help us build a stronger, more secure, more prosperous and more peaceful world. It is in every nation's self-interest to ensure every young girl realizes her full potential.”

“Earlier today, Croatia, as PBe Chair, and in cooperation with UN WOMEN, organized a high-level ministerial meeting on women's economic empowerment in peace-building. This meeting emphasized the critical role of women in peacebuilding processes and the fact that empowering women in the economy is essential for realizing women's rights and achieving broader development goals.”

“Real development also demands empowerment of women and their equal participation with men in all walks of life. Our new Educational Policy provides girls with free education up to higher secondary school, monthly stipends to 11.90 million students of poor families and also free textbooks to all up to the secondary level.”

Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level.

"What will serve as both a factor for and outcome of growth will be to mobilize the power of women, a point almost self-evident at this gathering…There is a theory called "womenomics," which asserts that the more the advance of women in society is promoted, the higher the growth rate becomes…Creating an environment in which women find it comfortable to work and enhancing opportunities for women to work and to be active in society is no longer a matter of choice for Japan. It is instead a matter of the greatest urgency."

In closing, if we were to follow the wisdom of "womenomics" mentioned earlier, our development concept under which we focus on cultivating the power of women would engender more peace and wellbeing in the world. I wish to bring about "a society where women shine," both within Japan and also in regions in conflict and countries suffering from poverty. I do not consider the outlook to be optimistic. However, I know one thing: that in my country, Japan, there are a considerable number of people who are working unsparingly towards that end.”

"Finally, what I hoped to convey through the tragic example of Islam Bibi is the importance of women's participation and protection in the areas of peace and security.
Japan intends to make efforts towards measures that will ensure the participation of women at all stages, including the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as peace-building, and that will also safeguard the rights and the physical well-being of women who are exposed to danger in times of conflict.”

Women played a crucial part. That is why throughout the Pacific we are supporting efforts to strengthen women's participation in policing through recruitment, retention, training and mentoring support. In the Philippines, Australia is funding women's participation in peace processes that bring together Muslim, Christian and Indigenous women.”

"We express serious concern over the extensive forms of sexual violence inflicted to innocent women, children and even men in armed conflicts around the world. My country endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict launched on 24 September at a side event of the General Debate of the august General Assembly."

“Almost always, the suffering is felt by the most vulnerable among us. And, far too often, this involves women and violence. In the context of war, rape and serious sexual violence are war crimes. I have met girls who were victims of this very war crime, and their stories are horrific. The war criminals involved must be identified, pursued, prosecuted and punished."

“Earlier this year, Canada and other G-8 nations agreed to treat sexual violence in conflict as a violation of the Geneva Conventions. I applaud the United Kingdom and U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague for their work in this area. But he would be the first to acknowledge that the fight to eradicate this crime has been led by women, including Special Representative [of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict] Zainab Hawa Bangura."

“Every year, millions of girls, some as young as age nine, are forced into marriage. Since I began these remarks, 100 children have been forced into marriage; 1,100 per hour; more than 26,000 per day. The effects of early forced marriage are documented and beyond dispute. Early forced marriage harms health, halts education, destroys opportunity and enslaves young women in a life of poverty. A young woman once recounted her wedding date. She remembered, "It was the day I left school." No country is immune from this scourge. This is a global problem. A problem for humanity."

“Forced marriage is rape; it is violence against women. Early forced marriage is child rape, violence against young girls. The practice is abhorrent and indefensible. We condemn it. Even though some might prefer that we kept quiet. The discomfort of the audience is of small concern, particularly in the context of a crime that calls to heaven for justice. If this body does not act to protect young girls, who will?”

“Please allow me to slightly break the protocol and start these words speaking about a humble woman, a Colombian woman called Marfa Zabala, who has to bear the pain in her heart day in and day out.

Two decades ago, armed members of illegal groups arrived to her village, located in the Colombian Caribbean, determined to impose their rule of terror.

Before her and her small children, they murdered her husband and two other relatives; they forced her to abandon her house, and burnt everything down.

She barely managed to save the corpses from the ashes, buried them right there, and fled from her parcel with her children, empty-handed. She only carried the weight of her tragedy.

Today, Marfa Zabala is a courageous and inspiring leader; a leader of the victims who is working for peace.

Sadly, there are thousands of cases like Marfa Zabala's in Colombia.”

“In DRC Gabon is still concerned about the situation (..) where women and children are paying the highest price.”

“I can inform this Assembly that in urban areas of Guatemala City where homicides, extortions and insecurity were prevalent, we have managed to reinstate peace and social coexistence. At the same time, our Prosecutor's Office reports that we have lowered the levels of general impunity between 2009 and 2013 by almost 25%, particularly in the decrease of impunity in crimes against life, both homicides and feminicides, as well as sexual crimes against women and children.”

“We wish especially that the international community define as a global priority the reduction of violence against women and children, as well as the universal access to justice. Only in a world without violence against women, providing justice for all, can a path be opened towards development based on full respect for human rights.”

"First, Japan respects the activities of UN Women and intends to become one of its leading contributors and thus an exemplary country in the area. Japan will also work closely with relevant international organizations. Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level. Third, Japan will cooperate closely with not only UN Women but also the International Criminal Court and the office of Her Excellency Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the U N Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is a matter of outrage that there continues to be sexual violence against women during times of armed conflict even now, in the 21st century. Japan will do everything possible to prevent such crimes against women and to support both materially and psychologically those people who unfortunately become victims of such acts. Fourth, Japan will submit once more at the next session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women a draft resolution that gives careful consideration to women in natural disasters, as they are likely to be vulnerable.”

“To achieve a sustainable future, we need a concurrent basis in strong institutions, in solidarity, justice and social development, with a more targeted approach to marginalized groups, including women's empowerment, as well as a strong respect for the environment and innovative growth.”

“Earlier today, Croatia, as PBe Chair, and in cooperation with UN WOMEN, organized a high-level ministerial meeting on women's economic empowerment in peace-building. This meeting emphasized the critical role of women in peacebuilding processes and the fact that empowering women in the economy is essential for realizing women's rights and achieving broader development goals.”

“Further more, our current term of office in the HRC meets our commitments particularly in terms of promoting and protecting the rights of women and children.”

"It's not enough to put girls in school and allow them just enough education to be deemed literate. We must keep them in school. Removing teen girls from school for any reason, let alone to marry them off, is an unacceptable practice that must end. African women have always been the backbone of our societies. Imagine the change they could effect in our countries if only we'd help them reach their full potential."

“We wish especially that the international community define as a global priority the reduction of violence against women and children, as well as the universal access to justice. Only in a world without violence against women, providing justice for all, can a path be opened towards development based on full respect for human rights.”

“I can inform this Assembly that in urban areas of Guatemala City where homicides, extortions and insecurity were prevalent, we have managed to reinstate peace and social coexistence. At the same time, our Prosecutor's Office reports that we have lowered the levels of general impunity between 2009 and 2013 by almost 25%, particularly in the decrease of impunity in crimes against life, both homicides and feminicides, as well as sexual crimes against women and children.”

“We wish especially that the international community define as a global priority the reduction of violence against women and children, as well as the universal access to justice. Only in a world without violence against women, providing justice for all, can a path be opened towards development based on full respect for human rights.”

Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level.

“Earlier today, Croatia, as PBe Chair, and in cooperation with UN WOMEN, organized a high-level ministerial meeting on women's economic empowerment in peace-building. This meeting emphasized the critical role of women in peacebuilding processes and the fact that empowering women in the economy is essential for realizing women's rights and achieving broader development goals.”

"Finally, what I hoped to convey through the tragic example of Islam Bibi is the importance of women's participation and protection in the areas of peace and security.
Japan intends to make efforts towards measures that will ensure the participation of women at all stages, including the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as peace-building, and that will also safeguard the rights and the physical well-being of women who are exposed to danger in times of conflict.”

"First, Japan respects the activities of UN Women and intends to become one of its leading contributors and thus an exemplary country in the area. Japan will also work closely with relevant international organizations. Second, as other like-minded countries have already done, Japan also intends to develop a national action plan regarding women, peace, and security, in cooperation with people working at the grass-roots level. Third, Japan will cooperate closely with not only UN Women but also the International Criminal Court and the office of Her Excellency Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the U N Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is a matter of outrage that there continues to be sexual violence against women during times of armed conflict even now, in the 21st century. Japan will do everything possible to prevent such crimes against women and to support both materially and psychologically those people who unfortunately become victims of such acts. Fourth, Japan will submit once more at the next session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women a draft resolution that gives careful consideration to women in natural disasters, as they are likely to be vulnerable.”