UN Women leaders panel
Wednesday 26 September 2007
A high-level panel of women international leaders were brought together at the United Nations in New York following the launch of Deliver Now and the Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals.
Welcomed by the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, the panel included: the First Lady of Zambia, Maureen Mwanawasa; the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Asha-Rose Migiro; the Director-General, WHO, Margaret Chan; the Executive Director, UNFPA, Thoraya Obaid; the Executive Director, UNICEF, Ann M. Veneman; the National Coordinator, White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, India, Aparajita Gogoi; the Executive Director, Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development, Rosangela Berman Bieler, moderated by TV personality, Ricki Lake. Closing remarks came from the Director of The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Dr Francisco Songane.
Panelists analyzed recent global events and addressed what needs to be done and why to protect the lives of women and children.
QUOTES FROM THE PANEL
Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Asha-Rose Migiro
By the time I finish this statement, 300 children and five women would have died. the world can not go on like this. The international community must help because the poorest countries lack the means to provide for the health of their people.
Director-General, WHO, Margaret Chan
We have to do something about the low status of women in many societies. They have to be empowered and the should be able to fight for their rights. Air, water and food are fundamental determinants of health. Politicians must recognise not only the impact of climate change on the environment and economy, but also that on health.
Executive Director, UNFPA, Thoraya Obaid
We must work harder and faster to end a situation where far too many women die during pregnancy and childbirth and far too many children are left as orphans. No woman should die giving life. No child should be without hope. Saving these lives is vital to humanity because there can be no safe future without safe motherhood. We cannot make poverty history unless we make maternal death and disability history.
The National Coordinator, White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, India, Aparajita Gogoi
The victims of pregnancy-related deaths are poor and politically powerless. It is the NGOs that have to talk to these people and to enlighten them.
Executive Director, Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development, Rosangela Berman Bieler
There will be no results when people with disabilities are not involved. I hope that there will develop a society that includes everyone.
Video clip
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