At the historic Apollo Theatre in New York, UN Women last week launched a year-long campaign to spark global dialogue and actions on women’s rights and gender equality. The Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture It! campaign commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing which set a path-breaking agenda on women’s rights in 1995. In the packed theatre and to thunderous applause, UN officials, feminist activists, celebrities and performers took the stage and brought the audience to their feet as they raised their voices in support of the UN Women campaign, which aims to celebrate the achievements of the last 20 years, while underlining the gaps that remain across the world in advancing the women’s agenda. “Our goal is to rekindle the spirit of Beijing to re-energize all of us in our work to advance women’s rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality,” said UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Rousing the crowds, she added “the vision laid out in Beijing, with 12 critical areas of concern for women, still resonates deeply around the world. It is still unfinished business.” Urging participation from all corners of the world and society, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson emphasized the need to fulfil the Beijing promise. “The essence of the Beijing vision is that equality for women and girls, equal rights, equal opportunities and equal participation will build a better world for us all … Remember: nobody can do everything – but everybody can do something. Let’s go to work!

Click Here To Read More