Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the seminar ”North to North – Women as Agents of Change” in Helsinki on 29 September 2011

(check against delivery)

It is a really good idea to organise this seminar “North to North - Women as Agents of Change”. Too often women are seen mainly as victims or objects. Women are a true source of strength and they have a vital role to play in change all over the world as we have seen lately also in Northern Africa.

I attended the United Nations General Assembly last week and was pleased to note that the role of women has become integrated into the mainstream dialogue. Recently, more women have been appointed to key duties within the United Nations. The UN Women is an important actor to give women and girls stronger and more unified voice. It has already done excellent work. All in all, the United Nations has been at the forefront in enhancing the empowerment of women.

Let us be happy that the status of women worldwide has clearly improved. But we all here know that there is still enormous amount of work to be done. Too many women are still living in poverty and without full human rights. Violence against women is widespread: it occurs everywhere in the world and affects women of all ages. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security has set forth new criteria for viewing conflicts and peace-processes by promoting the protection and inclusion of women. It is already broadly accepted, but especially the implementation needs hard work.

Finland promotes and supports women’s access to political decision making through implementing our National Action Plan on 1325. We stress the importance of women’s participation in peace negotiations, peace building and crisis prevention and reconstruction.

* * *

Women form half of the population of the world. No society can prosper unless women are actively involved. I also believe that women’s equal participation in society is an inherent requirement of democracy everywhere and also a key factor in saving the Earth for future generations.

Education is the key to equality. The World Economic Forum has identified girls’ education as one of the most effective means to improve the economy of developing countries. Education is also a condition for increasing women’s influence and for fighting population growth.

The active involvement of women in the political sphere has strengthened the concepts of equality and social justice into the Finnish and more generally the Nordic welfare state.

In 1906 - with the passage of universal suffrage to all women and men - Finland was at the forefront of the progressive political wave at that time. Our example was an inspiration and encouragement to many, especially in Europe.

In the Nordic countries, women have been strongly represented in political decision-making. The last elections held in Finland – in April this year – out of 200 members elected to the office 85 were women. In the present Finnish Government, 9 of the 19 ministers are women.

Gender equality and mainstreaming gender issues in all Government policies is an important goal of Finland’s Government Programme. However, our country is far from perfect. As in many other countries, violence against women prevails. The labour market is divided into jobs for men and women. Combining work and family proves difficult in many ways. I firmly believe that the full participation of women in society and economic life is not only right in terms of equality but it also improves competitiveness.

* * *

This year, women in Northern Africa and the Middle East have actively participated in the political protests for social justice and equality. Women and men have marched together for a better future for themselves and the future generations. It is important that they continue to participate side by side in building a democratic society.

Women play a crucial role in building a sustainable and just society for all. Every government needs to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights for all, women and men alike.

I am glad that Ms Lilia Laabidi, the Minister of Women Affairs of Tunisia, has been able to join us today and share her views and experiences. In Tunisia, advocates of gender equality were in the front lines of the struggle for freedom. They will play a vital role in the construction of a new, democratic political system. It is commendable that political parties are required to nominate as many female candidates as there are male candidates to ensure the political participation of women.

* * *

As the title of this conference puts it: women are agents of change. Without gender equality and women's empowerment, we cannot achieve economically, ecologically and socially sustainable development.

The role of the NGOs is vital in the efforts to promote gender equality. Also media - and recently especially social media - have been rapid in gaining information on the ground, and provide tools for women to form contacts and work together. In the long run, this may give women a much stronger voice in charting new paths for the political, religious, cultural and economic future of the region.

I would like to thank the organizers – the Finnish Committee for European Security (STETE), the 1325 Network Finland and the Coalition of Finnish Women’s Association – for providing an opportunity for dialogue between the two “Norths”. I hope you will have fruitful discussions on gender issues. By working together and supporting each other, we can make women's role more visible and enhance equality.

Thank you! With these words, the seminar is opened.