Skip to content
Call Us Today! 212-533-4646 | MON-FRI 12PM - 4PM (EST)
DONATE
SUBSCRIBE
Search for:
About Us
Publications
FAQ
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Initiatives
Advocate
Educate
Cultivate
Care
News
Newsletters
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Join UNWLA
Become a Member
Volunteer With Us
Donate to UNWLA
Members Portal
Calendar
Shop to Support Ukraine
Search for:
Print
Print Page
Download
Download Page
Download Right Page
Open
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-29
30-31
32-33
34-35
36-37
38-39
40
“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ВЕРЕСЕНЬ 2010 13 the silence, it is time to say here and for the world to hear, that it is no longer acceptable to discuss women’s rights as separate from human rights. ” She concluded with the proclamation that “human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.” Women’s rights are not something separate from human rights law, but part of it. The new position that I hold in my government is an unprecedented demonstration of President Obama and Secretary Clinton’s deep commitme nt to incorporating women’s issues into all aspects of U.S. foreign policy. These are not marginal “women’s issues” to be pulled off to the side, but among the pressing issues to be addressed. We recognize that the major challenges of our time — economic, s ecurity, governance, and environmental — cannot be solved without the participation of women at all levels of society. It is a simple fact that no country can prosper if it leaves half its population behind. The stakes are high for this country and all count ries. As Secretary Clinton has often noted, “ A nation’s progress depends on the progress of women, the strength of democracy depends on the participation of women, and the vibrancy of economies depends on the contributions of women. When women’s potential is not tapped, our societies are short - changed. ” You know all too well that there are those who still dispute the importance of women to their country’s progress and its governance. Yet the evidence is irrefutable. There is a mountain of data today that sh ows that investments in women correlate positively to a country’s prosperity, poverty alleviation, and economic growth; moreover, according to the World Bank, at the country level, higher rates of female participation in government are associated with lowe r levels of corruption. Investing in women is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. During the few days that I have been here in Ukraine, I have once again seen firsthand the positive differences the women’s movement continues to make . At a maternity hospital, I saw how dedicated health practitioners are working in partnership with USAID to improve maternal and child health to dramatically decrease maternal mortality, poor health outcomes, and the consequences of HIV/AIDS infections. At an IOM rehabilitation center, I saw how a nationwide NGO network, IOM, the U.S., and other partners are working to return and reintegrate victims of trafficking through psychological, legal, and medical assistance and employment support. I met with sev eral trafficking victims and heard how NGOs enabled them to get the vital assistance they are receiving. I was also impressed by the work to educate religious leaders about trafficking, its warning signs, and the services so they can better counsel women. I know how important the government’s national action plan has been and will continue to be. It was Ukrainian women who first told then - First Lady Hillary Clinton about the scourge of human trafficking, how criminals were promising young women good jobs on ly to kidnap and trick them and subject them to a nightmare of slavery. It was because women leaders like those here in Ukraine told us about the terrible situation that my government passed a comprehensive law in 2000 and has been working with the governm ent and civil society in Ukraine and other countries to address what is nothing less than modern - day slavery. Yesterday, I had a good meeting with Deputy Minister Tolstoukhova. We discussed the need for continuing government leadership on this issue, coll aboration with NGOs, ensuring that perpetrators get stiffer sentences, more effectively confronting corruption, and working to strengthen and support services. And you have also done so much to stop violence against women, including your efforts to raise awareness among men that violence against women is not acceptable and helping women understand it is not normal. It is criminal. Ensuring that victims are protected, educating police, and punishing perpetrators require sustained efforts here and around the world. Again, government is an important partner in prevention, protection, and prosecution. I also had the chance to speak with this year’s impressive rising voices of Ukraine — the young women from across this country who are participating in the “First Steps to Success” program, which is part of this program and whom many of you are mentoring and supporting. Several alumnae of the program are here and they are truly the leaders of tomorrow. All of these efforts are representative of your vibrant civil s ociety. Yet the promise of Ukraine — the promise of a strong democracy, women’s equality, and economic prosperity — is a work in progress. Your efforts to advance economic, social, and political progress are critical.
Page load link
Go to Top
1 
2-3 
4-5 
6-7 
8-9 
10-11 
12-13 
14-15 
16-17 
18-19 
20-21 
22-23 
24-25 
26-27 
28-29 
30-31 
32-33 
34-35 
36-37 
38-39 
40 
