Your excellencies, High-Level Commission’s Co-Chairs, UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Kanem, ministers, fellow commissioners, distinguished guests and all of you following online,

Finally, after many a Zoom meeting we are able to get together for our very first physical meeting of the High-Level Commission on the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Follow-up. I’m certainly delighted to be here. A big thank you to Zanzibar for hosting us and spoiling us with beautiful weather and nature and such warm and generous hospitality.

The Nairobi Summit, three years ago, was a milestone. As a global community we came together and pledged collectively to ensure women’s and girls’ rights to decide over their own bodies.

One impression that has stayed with me from Nairobi was the energy, vision, and creativity – not least of the young people who participated. They were diverse, bright, and loud. They wanted change and were dedicated to being part of that change.

It is this spirit and dedication that has inspired and is driving the implementation of the 1,300 commitments made in Nairobi by governments, organizations, civil society and other stakeholders.

Strong commitments that have delivered results and change for women and girls where they are. The 2022 report of the Commission, which we are launching today, covers some of the results in more detail. Allow me to highlight a few of the results achieved over the past few years: Before doing so, just let me add; in a world where we can place the word ‘crisis’ at the end of almost any challenge we are facing, it is important that we remain hopeful and optimistic. 

And important that we also recognize the small but positive results achieved. Every step counts in the journey to getting to where we want to be. 

So, what has been achieved since Nairobi?

130 countries have committed to transforming education. Girls’ education is essential for gender equality, and in enabling women and girls to make their own life choices. This is particularly true when education integrates comprehensive sexuality education and addresses gender-based prejudices.

An example of this is from Tanzania. Last year, the ban on pregnant schoolgirls and adolescent mothers to continue their education was lifted, giving them the right to continue their education. An important step for gender equality and girls’ rights. 

In Scotland, new legislation to fight period poverty ensures free menstrual products are made available to those who need them.

In Latin America, we have seen remarkable community mobilization leading to concrete improvements. The so-called Green Wave – marea verde – began in Argentina, where activists waved green handkerchiefs at protests to symbolize reproductive rights. This has paved the way for increased access to abortion in Argentina, Mexico and Columbia.

Humanitarian crisis exacerbates challenges for women and girls. Our unique needs and the role we simply have as women make us more vulnerable. Earlier this year, I visited the Cox Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh. In conversations with the Rohingya women they told me how hard and lonely life is for them in the camps. 

How they are confined to their shelters – basically, prisoners in their own homes – for fear of the violence they may fall victim to, if they venture outside alone. So, it was encouraging to learn from the Commission’s report how a great number of local Rohingya community activists are working to challenge the norms underlying sexual and gender-based violence.

It is also encouraging to note, that the progress highlighted in the report have been made despite the negative impact of COVID-19. The lockdowns and pressure placed on already weak health systems heightened the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage and teenage pregnancies.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights continue to be under pressure. Our common world is facing multiple and interlinked crises: Whether we focus on the impact of the climate crisis, the decline in biodiversity and pressure on natural resources or the violent displacement crises - the poor and marginalized women and girls are always hit the hardest.

The need for an intensified and collective effort is essential to sexual and reproductive health and rights becoming a reality for every girl and for every woman. And essential to ensuring the full implementation of the Cairo Plan of Action and the commitments made in Nairobi.

As the work continues to deliver on the promise made long ago to women and girls - a promise that paved the way for a more just, prosperous, and sustainable future for all - let us recall the spirit from Nairobi. Let us recall all the inspiring young people who were and are dedicated to delivering on that promise. And let us remember, that it is for them and future generations that we must together fulfill that promise.

There can be no doubt, that the work ahead is complicated, but why we are doing it, is not. 

Thank you.

 

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