UAE Foreign Minister participates in UN "HeForShe" campaign

NEW YORK: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, has attended the "HeForShe" solidarity campaign. The event was organised by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women. The event was attended by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Honorary Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council, with the participation of Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations and a number of senior political and cultural figures, United Nations officials, representatives of civil society and a number of international celebrities led by UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, British actress Emma Watson, with Matt Damon, Antonio Banderas and Patrick Stewart. Speaking on the occasion, the UN Secretary-General said, "States have an obligation to address violence against women. But we also need to change attitudes", noting that one in three women is a victim of violence – "but this is man's issue". "Men are responsible for most of the threats and violence against women. Often, these men are close to the victims – fathers, husbands, boyfriends or supervisors," said the UN chief, declaring, "We need to say to men and boys: Do not raise your hands in violence – raise your voices to stop it – and to support human rights for all." In a speech after the event, Sheikha Jawaher said, "We, as Emirati women, are proud of what we have achieved in the United Arab Emirates, we are blessed with great leaders like the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and other rulers of the U.A.E. who have always been and still are the father, brother, supporter, son and advocate for Emirati women helping them to reach to the highest local and global positions." Sheikha Jawaher also commended the role played by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and his efforts in support of Emirati women at the international level, strengthening their role and their presence outside the state. "HeForShe" is a global solidarity movement to end gender inequality by 2030. The goal is to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change in the effort to achieve equality. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395269893839.html