Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid (C) speaks during a press briefing on a high-level event on Women in Power at the United Nations headquarters in New York, March 12, 2019. UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces on Tuesday highlighted the benefits of women's participation in politics, including economic stability and promotion of fairer laws. The General Assembly president hosted a high-level event on Women in Power Tuesday, one of her important initiatives in promoting gender equality since taking office. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, March 12 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces on Tuesday highlighted the benefits of women's participation in politics, including economic stability and promotion of fairer laws.
The General Assembly president hosted a high-level event on Women in Power Tuesday, one of her important initiatives in promoting gender equality since taking office.
In her opening remarks to the event, Espinosa said it has been shown that gender equality and the participation of women in politics promote economic stability and contribute to strengthening institutions.
A greater representation of women in parliaments ensures that the reform of discriminatory laws can be continued, she added. "Also it increases investment in key areas such as healthcare, education, and social protection."
She pointed to the key role played by women in conflict resolution and peace building beach, citing recent studies as showing when women take part in peace talks, the likelihood of an agreement lasting more than 15 years, is increased by 35 percent.
Meanwhile, the UNGA president recognized the work by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "who has achieved gender equality in the high ranks of the UN secretariat, in the posts of resident coordinators and in regional commissions."
Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in every region of the world.
According to UN figures, as of November 2018, only 10 percent of UN member states have a female head of state or government. Globally, only 24 percent of parliamentarians are women.
Similarly, among the 2018 Fortune 500 companies, only 24 have women CEOs and 12 companies have no women at all on their board.
Tuesday's event, bringing together senior leaders and other participants from governments, observers to the General Assembly, the UN system, private sector and civil society, to identify barriers that hinder women's participation and leadership, and to share best practices that can accelerate women's empowerment in this area.
It also engages young women leaders to foster an environment of mentoring and dialogue between present and future leaders.
