Launch of UN Women

This is quite exciting - In the beautiful General Assembly Hall. Videos showing the history of the women's global movement are shown on the 2 large screens at the front of the room. I've got yellow tickets, and that means i'm up in the balcony, but it is an excellent seat. You can see everything, and the General Assembly is beautiful.

Videos are shown of the history of Women's Rights - included are the four world conferences on Women.

Connie Chung replaced Christiane Amanapour as the emcee - Christiane has been called away - I think to Egypt.

Mr. Joseph Deiss, President of the General Assembly, welcomes everyone. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon says some very positive things about UN Women, and his support.

Then a standing ovation for Michelle Bachelet, she looked so lovely in a bright dress. Michelle Bachelet talks about her own experience - no limits what women can do! We must do better - we must commit all political actors. We are talking about rights, and economic growth, Harness the full capacity, so will have faster progress.  Determined that UN Women will provide new energy from multiple talents. Turning point - a new era. 

GEAR - Brought together 300 NGOs - one being Ms. Bandanna Rana - from Nepal. She spoke about the strong advocacy from women in Nepal, after the conflict which ended in 2006. GEAR campaign in 2007. Gathered 1 million signatures from south Asia. Strong hope that UN Women will make a difference on the Planet. Supporter of the women's agenda.


Ambassador Joy Ogwu - from Nigeria, Spoke of achievements - in Liberia - ought to be fully utilized. Can anyone run fast on one foot?? Women must be encouraged and supported, in the class rooms, and faith based forums, equipped to excel. Women in leadership; roles are duty bound to support women, wherever they are. 

Princess Christina of Spain. make gender equity our primary goal. Invest in women's empowerment. UN Women will support political and economic empowerment. 


Transfer now to regions and country - role for all of us to play. Women deserve to be treated with respect. 


Ted Turner - good to have some good news! UN behind this. Able to say a few things in favour and support of UN Women. Smartest thing to do - 

Introduced another video - Girls Up. Girls can make a real difference. Victoria Justice.


Nicole Kidman - video advocated for women's rights - UN Women's Ambassador - Brought in via satellite. from San Fransisco. Technical difficulty - Video broke down,


Working against stereotypes - See Jane - increase percentage of female characters. Ms Jean Davis. - positive women's portrayal in the media.The reality of stereotypes entrenched in TV. one female characters for every 3 male characters. From 2006 - 2007 no female leaders in science, politics, business. What message are we sending to girls. 

Shirakia - video  - Barefoot Foundation. Equality starts with offering equality for women.

Police woman from India - All woman commander Rashmi Sami - fine work of the women peacekeepers - communication skills, calm, first to arrive and first to leave. More comfortable to come to police if raped. offered self defense courses. Liberia - taught dance and music. Proved to be a an example to people of Liberia. 

The evening ended with a special song - performed by Graham Lyle, Clay, Beth Blatt, Gemma Bulos, Tituss Burgess, Tracy McDowell, Courtney Reed, and the UN International School Choir,
song - Just written for UN Women -called

"One Woman"

 We are One Woman

Your dreams are mine

We shall shine

We shall shine