15 years of working for ALL women and girls

This is a moment when we must urgently

act not only to restore what has been

lost for women and girls, but to end the

harmful status quo which keeps

inequality thriving. 15 years ago, UN

Women was created with a bold mission to

become the global champion for rights,

equality, and empowerment for all women

and girls. I cannot believe the things

I've heard women say they've been

through, and they still keep going day

by day. We are no longer going to be

harassed. We are no longer going to be

mistreated or discriminated against or

paid less money. We drive women's

leadership, power, and courage forward

in crisis and beyond. Being treated

unfairly cannot be an intrinsic part of

being a woman. For 15 years in counting,

we've spoken louder, bolder, with and

for women and girls from remote villages

to the highest halls of power. UN women

works at many different levels to

prevent and address violence against

women. 15 years ago, UN Women was

created to champion the rights of women

and girls everywhere. We haven't backed

down and we will never give up. Freedom

for all women and girls is not a dream.

It is a demand. And we will not stop

until it is met. Thank you.

[Applause]