20th VIRTUALITEA EVENT ‘’Women’s empowerment – Moving Ahead”
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
25/05/2021
20th VIRTUALITEA EVENT ‘’Women’s empowerment – Moving Ahead”
Opening Remarks by
Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
Tuesday 25 May 2021
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed,
Dear colleagues,
1. I am pleased to participate, for the fourth time, in a “VirtualiTea”!
2. I would like to commend the Women’s Committee for engaging with us all and greatly contributing to the spirit of the Big FAO Family!
3. Your activities are highly appreciated by FAO employees, male and female!
4. The “VirtualiTeas” celebrate women’s diversity and achievements from all walks of life - gastronomy, science, diplomacy - to showcase innovative actions that can empower women and girls.
5. The recent collaboration with the Mountain Partnership, a fashion designer and Kyrgyzstan women artisans led to the launch of a collection at the Milan Fashion Week!
6. That is definitely a first for FAO – Congratulations!
7. I hope this successful example will pave the way for other new ideas to help close the gender gap socially, economically and culturally!
Dear friends and colleagues,
8. As you know, gender equality, diversity and inclusion are high on the FAO agenda.
9. To this end, I constantly promote and advocate for gender parity and equality in the workplace.
10. We need gender-equality to achieve a world free from hunger and malnutrition.
11. We all have a part to play and a lot to gain in making this happen.
12. This is perfectly in line with today’s focus on “Women’s Empowerment - Moving Ahead”.
13. Our new Policy on Gender Equality will drive the Organization’s work in that context and strengthen women’s empowerment.
14. And we have just rolled-out a more modern parental leave policy, with increased paternity leave.
Friends, colleagues,
15. As you know, today, 25 May, marks Africa Day!
16. Agriculture is the most important economic sector in Africa and women represent about 50% of the labor force.
17. In China, we say, “Women hold up half the sky!”
18. Indeed, women are the backbone of the rural world.
19. We must advocate for their better representation in decision-making processes, their education and capacity building, as well as for equal access to resources, services and opportunities.
20. On this special Africa day, FAO is honored to host Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
21. Amina, I am sure that you will inspire us to think bigger in empowering the next generation of rural women.
22. I look forward to today’s discussion, as we all need to work towards gender equality.
23. Together for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
24. Thank you and happy Africa day!