Participation

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.

Women make almost 30% the deputies in National Parliament. the executive branch, key cabinet positions, namely, Finance, Justice, Social Solidarity, Prosecutor-General, etc аге held by women.

Lasting solutions to global challenges cannot be found without women's active participation in decision-making at all levels. Women are agents of change and development. Investing in women and girls has a vital effect on eradication of poverty and sustained economic growth. Having heard the discussions this week, I am happy to conclude that there has clearly been a breakthrough in this respect. This is a good basis to continue from.

We are pleased to note the progress the world has made in the advancement of women. Today, there is greater representation of women in government, in political life, business and in civil society organizations. Liberia's own effort was recognized on Sunday when we received an award for our progress on Goal 3, empowerment of women.

Iraqi women enjoy important status in the new Iraq and have equality with men in their political rights. Women have granted a 25% share in representation in the Iraqi Council of Representatives……the women of Iraq have assumed many important ministerial positions and represents their country as Ambassadors after having been deprived of these rights for more than 30 years…

Gender equality is another topic of vital importance for the Nations. Gender equality issues are rarely associated with overcoming the economic crises or stopping climate change. However, it has been estimated that the elimination of gender discrimination in the labor market could increase the GDP by as much as 30%. It seems that Lithuanian people have decided to test this estimation in practice!

The advancement of women and gender equality continues to be the cornerstone for Africa of the new beginning. Women have and continue to play a decisive role in the global, continental and national agendas for democracy, transition and development. I am happy to inform the General Assembly that African governments have intensified the fight against gender-based violence, sexual abuse, discrimination and human trafficking in women and girls.

Thirdly, victims of sexual violence must be provided with multisectoral assistance and services tailored to their specific needs. They must be protected against stigmatization and exclusion, and given the opportunity and capability to re-engage and reintegrate with their communities.

Fourthly, the full and equal political, social and economic participation of women is key to addressing sexual violence at its roots. The inclusion of women and their priorities in all aspects of a peace process is crucial. Attention should also be paid to both civilian women and those having served in the armed forces or been involved in military activities during their reintegration efforts.

The natural feedback between protection and participation is probably the core concept emerging from resolution 1325 (2000), in which the Council reaffirmed the important role played by women in preventing and resolving conflicts and in peacebuilding. In that regard, we are concerned over the low representation of women at various levels