It is my honor to speak on this celebration of International Women’s Rights Day. An event that mobilizes us around the theme, “invest in women, accelerate the pace”.
The theme reflects one of the main obstacles to achieving gender equality by 2030. Notably, the alarming lack of funding for spending on gender equality measures.
I would like to begin by sending, on behalf of the United Nations and the technical and financial partners gathered here, my sincere congratulations to the Government of Madagascar, under the leadership of the President of the Republic, for all the efforts for gender equality and respect, as well as protection of the rights of Malagasy women and girls.
I would also like to emphasize that the presence of the First Lady of Madagascar demonstrates her unwavering dedication and that of the Government of Madagascar, to the defense of the cause of Malagasy women and girls.
I would also like to thank the Minister of Population for her leadership and the collaboration of her team in the organization of this unique event.
I take this opportunity to salute the efforts of the PTF (Technical and Financial Partners) who support the Government in this noble cause. This ongoing fight is the fight to improve the conditions of women and girls, many of whom have demonstrated their commitment by their presence here, yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is also the place to salute our partners in civil society and the private sector who spare no effort to support this noble cause.
Despite the efforts made, it is clear that there are still many opportunities to be seized. That there are still efforts to be made to move towards achieving gender equality. This includes the effective and equal participation of women in political, social and economic activities, in order to strengthen their empowerment. It is also about the representation of women in decision-making bodies. Efforts in the application of the legal and legislative framework related to the rights of women and girls, and the institutions responsible for their application. It also concerns the financing of programs in favor of women. Just like the fight against gender-based violence.
You will agree with me that no sustainable and balanced development is possible as long as the rights, health and well-being of women, particularly the most vulnerable, are not placed at the heart of our priorities. It is therefore important that we seize the opportunities available to us together. It is in this sense that the United Nations System, in collaboration with the government, is currently working on a national program to combat gender-based violence. Who plans to dwell on policy towards women. The economic empowerment of women, the strengthening of women’s associations and the promotion of women’s participation in the civic and political space in Madagascar. It is a holistic and joint program.
I would like to take this opportunity to convey the message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Because this message justifies the very need for a joint and holistic program in favor of women and girls:
“On this International Women’s Day, we honor women and girls around the world and salute all the achievements they have achieved in the fight for equality. Women and girls have made significant progress in breaking down barriers, deconstructing stereotypes and leading the way towards a fairer and more equal world. However, they face immense obstacles.
Billions of women and girls are marginalized and face injustice and discrimination. While the continuing epidemic of violence against women and girls remains a shame for humanity. Our world still bears the scars of millennia of power relations dominated by men. At the current rate, legal equality will not be achieved for 300 years. So we need to move much faster. On this International Women’s Day, we stand alongside women and girls who fight for their rights. And we are committed to accelerating progress.
This year’s theme, “investing in women,” reminds us that ending patriarchy will require putting money on the table. We must support the women’s organizations who are on the front lines in this fight. We must also invest in programs to end violence against women and promote the inclusion and leadership of women in the economy and digital technologies, peacebuilding and peacebuilding. climate action.
To do this, we must unlock financing for sustainable development so that countries have the necessary funds to invest in women and girls.”/.
Collected by Jeannot Ramambazafy in Toamasina, March 8, 2024
