Meg's Update: GA 66th Session: Advancement of Women

Member State representatives met at the UN to report on their countries ongoing committment for the Advancement of Women. Ms. Tine Smith, Ambassador from Norway, said the principle message in their report was that gender equality is decisive for development; not only is gender equality smart economics, but it also empowers women as economic, political, and social actors leading to more representative decision making. Norway is a strong supporter of UN Women, and would like to see gender equality as an integrated and mainstreamed issue at COP-17 later this year, and also at Rio 2012. Brazil has been actively undertaking initiatives to strengthen social development in all its three dimensions related to extreme poverty reduction, rising employment opportunities and attaining a higher level of social integration. Egypt stressed harmonizing international and regional obligations with national legislations to ensure gender equality. Empowerment of women is a central priority for CARICOM States as the majority of women and girls live in rural areas. Thailand's National Plan, 2012-2016, focuses on women's full participation in development to ensure a more equal society.