Estoril Conference Opening Address
PRESS RELEASE
28 May 2019
28 May 2019
President and Chair of CWWL Grabar-Kitarović in the Opening Address of the Estoril Conference indicated gender equality and empowerment of women and girls as a precondition in discussions on the empowerment of humanity
Taking part in the opening of the Estoril Conference, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović indicated gender equality and empowerment of women and girls as a precondition in discussions on the empowerment of humanity. In this context she underlined that our societies still have to overcome imbalances and inherent social injustice when it comes to gender issues, adding that without women sustainable peace is unthinkable. “Without the inclusion of women, peace is frail, societies crumble and global development is hampered. That is why they need to be given full and equal access to resources and opportunities”, the President stated.
She underlined the need to have more women involved in the maintenance of peace and security, sustainable development and politics in general, and mentioned that she is one of the only four female Heads of State in the world elected directly by popular vote. “We, directly elected female Heads of State are rare indeed. If one knew nothing of this world and would have to assess it based on a current list of such incumbent Heads of State, one would be bound to come to the conclusion that women must form only 2% of the global population”, President Grabar-Kitarović remarked.
She pointed out that gender equality is important both in the European Union and In Croatia as one of the highest constitutional values and indicated that inclusive societies with the best gender policies have the best economic results. In this regard, she added that, we also have to make sure that technology serves the rights agenda and helps end discrimination against women.
President Grabar-Kitarović put an emphasis on education, which has to be among the priorities of all development programs as the most powerful weapon against all forms of prejudice and inequality. She said that bolder efforts are needed to make even greater strides for achieving universal education goals. “Gender equality and women and girl empowerment must always be a key element of our discussion”, the President concluded.
Besides meeting with the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President Grabar-Kitarović met with Nobel Peace Prize laureate for 2018 Dr. Denis Mukwege. They discussed gender equality and the empowerment of women. Dr. Mukwege noted that he advocates for the prosecution of rape as a war crime, which would enable wounds to heal. “Non-prosecution makes the victims relive their ordeal”, he added.
She underlined the need to have more women involved in the maintenance of peace and security, sustainable development and politics in general, and mentioned that she is one of the only four female Heads of State in the world elected directly by popular vote. “We, directly elected female Heads of State are rare indeed. If one knew nothing of this world and would have to assess it based on a current list of such incumbent Heads of State, one would be bound to come to the conclusion that women must form only 2% of the global population”, President Grabar-Kitarović remarked.
She pointed out that gender equality is important both in the European Union and In Croatia as one of the highest constitutional values and indicated that inclusive societies with the best gender policies have the best economic results. In this regard, she added that, we also have to make sure that technology serves the rights agenda and helps end discrimination against women.
President Grabar-Kitarović put an emphasis on education, which has to be among the priorities of all development programs as the most powerful weapon against all forms of prejudice and inequality. She said that bolder efforts are needed to make even greater strides for achieving universal education goals. “Gender equality and women and girl empowerment must always be a key element of our discussion”, the President concluded.
Besides meeting with the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President Grabar-Kitarović met with Nobel Peace Prize laureate for 2018 Dr. Denis Mukwege. They discussed gender equality and the empowerment of women. Dr. Mukwege noted that he advocates for the prosecution of rape as a war crime, which would enable wounds to heal. “Non-prosecution makes the victims relive their ordeal”, he added.