Participation

With this objective in mind, the Afghan Government convened a "Consultative Peace Jirga" in May of this year. The Jirga fulfilled President Karzai's promise to consult and engage all Afghans in peace-building initiatives.

Our foreign policy has always reflected high priority on gender equality. This year we celebrate that 95 years have passed since women gained the right to vote, and 30 years ago a women was first elected President. For the first time, our Government is now led by a woman… Iceland will be a strong supporter of UN Women, as we have been through the transitional phase.

It is indeed a source of pride for Tunisia to be ranked first internationally in terms of fighting violence against women and guaranteeing their right to free movement and ownership, to be ranked first in the Arab world in terms of offering women opportunities of economic participation, and to be ranked first I Africa in terms of women's per capita income.

The prestigious status Tunisian women enjoy today is confirmed by the figures and indicators pertaining to human development and to women's involvement in all fields. They hold 30% of decision-making and responsibility positions. They represent 33% in the judicial corps, and 42% in the medical corps. In higher education, girls account for 60% of the total number of students.

The recent reports of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with shocking news of hundreds of rapes of women and children, are not isolated incidents. They are a part of a pattern of conflict-related crimes that have been carried out with impunity over many years. As so often in conflict situations, women and children are the most vulnerable groups. As so often in peace process, women are the most ignored.

We welcome the recent appointment of a Paraguayan to take part in the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). We further commit our efforts to ensure the inclusion of women in all areas of public life as well as the full exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal footing with men.

The 601-member Constituent Assembly of Nepal stands today as one of the most inclusive assemblies, where women constitute one third of its total members. Тhе Assembly has the representation from different ethnic groups, backward regions, traditionally marginalized communities, among other.

The government of Zambia recognizes the important role that women play in the attainment of development. Furthermore, we recognize that the empowerment of women and their inclusion in the decision making process has enhanced their role in development. It is for this reason, that Zambia has integrated women in all sectors of society in decision-making positions. We are committed to doing even more.

I applaud the establishment o f the United Nations Entity for Gender and Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). St. Kitts and Nevis has always played a lead role in women' s empowerment. For us, the occupying of high offices and decision making roles by women have been the norm, a tradition we embrace and continue to cultivate. St. Kitts and Nevis thus remains committed to gender-equal opportunities at home and abroad.

Our government has revived the "National Women Development Policy" adopted during our last tenure of office ( 1996- - 2001). At present, beside the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader, and a Whip, there are 5 women cabinet ministers and 45 MPs against reserved seats. Moreover, 19 women MPs have been directly elected. Women also occupy 30% reserved seats in all governments.