Roundtable Discussion on Women’s Participation in Society

Zagreb, Croatia, Saturday, October 24, 2009

I am delighted we are taking this opportunity to get to know each other better and to begin a constructive dialogue on the challenges we are facing, our accomplishments and our hopes for the future.

I don’t think there is ever enough discussion about women. About our battles. About our victories. About the power we have to influence the world and our willingness to change it for the better.

Women’s rights are relatively recent developments in the history of humanity and, therefore, still fragile.

Everywhere I go—from Brazil to Haiti, through Africa and central Europe—I see that equality is not a guarantee for women. And in some parts of the world, like in Afghanistan, which I recently visited, their most fundamental rights are denied and shamelessly scoffed.

Even in a country as progressive as Canada, there are many pitfalls on the path towards equality.

Women are still underrepresented within decision-making bodies all around the world and I cannot help but rejoice in the recent appointment of a woman, Jadranka Kosor, to the position of Prime Minister of Croatia.

It is women who are still most likely to live in poverty.

It is women who are still being crushed and swallowed whole by the weight of traditions telling them there are inferior.

It is women and their children who are still suffering the worst repercussions in areas of conflict.

It is women who are still at greatest risk of being attacked, behind closed doors at home or in the street.

I know this because I was once a journalist and witnessed these realities, particularly the trafficking of women, a phenomenon that is on the rise around the world.

And I know this because I helped establish a network of shelters for battered women, and because I worked with these women for nearly 10 years.

The governor general that I am today is more convinced than ever that the battles fought by women to ensure that their rights are respected are an affirmation of human dignity and a sure path to freedom.

I believe in the power of women, in their resilience, their community spirit and their determination to put an end to inequality.

And I believe that what they have to say holds great promise for the future, particularly when their words are joined by actions that lead to profound social change, as is the case of the women involved in Croatian society whom we have gathered together around this table.

I believe that when you empower women, you empower a whole nation.

Let us be each other’s sisters, allies, role models and sources of inspiration.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say.