Empowering Women, Empowering the World

Gender equality is a human right, and a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty. A just and prosperous world cannot be achieved without empowering women. We know that empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities and entire societies, thus improving the prospects for generations to come.

Despite strong evidence that empowering women is essential for achieving human rights, alleviating poverty, fostering development, and tackling global crises, gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise.

Still today, women and girls face significantly higher rates of poverty and illiteracy compared to men. They have less access to property, education, and employment, and are far less likely to be politically active than men. And while gender-based violence is not limited to violence against women and girls, women and girls are far more likely to be subjected to gender-based violence.

These systemic inequalities and disproportionately high rates of violence against women and girls necessitate targeted global attention and coordinated action, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations to end gender-based violence in all its forms. Held annually, it begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs through 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Only when women and girls enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations as men and boys in all spheres of life, will gender equality be achieved. This includes an equal distribution of power and influence, as well as equal opportunities for financial independence, education, healthcare, and the fulfillment of ambitions. By addressing these critical areas, societies can progress toward a future where everyone can fulfill their full potential and where families, societies, and nations thrive.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, The Embassy of Finland in Denmark and the creators behind the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ project invite to a morning of dialogue with a focus on Empowering Women, Empowering the World: Building Inclusive and Thriving Nations.

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The ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition by Finnish artist Minna Pietarinen aims to amplify the voices of women, providing a space for reflection, understanding and motivation for action. It emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in promoting and advocating for human rights and the rights of women and girls in their own way. By showcasing artistic interpretations and meaningful exchange, the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition serves as a catalyst for dialogue, action and social change.

Please arrive to the UN City on time to be able to enjoy the 'I Was Born a Girl' exhibition prior to the event.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.

Please note that the check-in will open at 09:15 and close at 09:55. It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time.

Please do not book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each participant's name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.

Photography will be taken during the event, and can be used for communication purposes by the organizers.

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Speakers

Katja Pehrman, Ambassador of Human Rights, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Morten Kjærum, Adjunct Professor at Aalborg University and affiliated scholar at Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Petrine Louise Johannesen, Danish UN Youth Delegate, Gender Equality and SRHR

Orly Siow, Associate senior lecturer, Lund University

Moderator

Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard, Head of UN City Communications

Programme

10.00 Welcome and setting the scene by moderator

10.05 Reading of the first poem: Tarja Halonen - The right to political participation and decision-making

10.10 Keynote speech: Katja Pehrman, Ambassador of Human Rights, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland [video message]

10.15 Reading of the second poem: Zanele Mbeki - The right to economic empowerment

10.20 Panel Discussion

Morten Kjærum, Adjunct Professor at Aalborg University and affiliated scholar at Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Petrine Louise Johannesen, Danish UN Youth Delegate, Gender Equality and SRHR

Orly Siow, Associate senior lecturer, Lund University

10.50 Wrap up and concluding remarks

10.55 Reading of the third poem: Mahbouba Seraj - The right to human dignity