Discours de la Reine, Side event « Spotlight Initiative – End Violence Against Women & Girls », New York, 21 septembre 2024

Introductory Statement by H.M. the Queen, Side event “Spotlight Initiative – End Violence Against Women & Girls”, New York, 21 September 2024

Your Excellencies,

As we strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative that we recognize that these goals are interconnected and that the role of women and girls is crucial in their realization. Inclusiveness is a key word.

Women’s full, meaningful, and equal participation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is essential to progress on all fronts. By ensuring their safety and well-being, we are not only upholding their fundamental human rights but also creating the conditions for sustainable development. It is a matter of fundamental respect for women’s human rights and dignity. We need to work together so that every woman, every girl lives her life without fear or violence.

Women and girls deserve to live free from coercion, violence, and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. A survivor-centered approach is required to make reparations possible. Access has to be provided to physical, psychological, legal and economic support. It is necessary to adopt an intersectional approach to gender-based violence that considers the needs of vulnerable persons.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing a disturbing trend of growing backlash against gender equality and women's rights: girls cannot go to school anymore; access to health care is sometimes difficult. Significant threats are endangering the progress we have made during the past years. I want to finish on a positive note. During my recent field visits to Bangladesh, Vietnam and Ivory Coast, I met strong women who want to make a difference in society. They met success when entrusted with economic empowerment. It gives us hope to see that a future is possible for them.

The Spotlight Initiative is a concrete step to create a world where every woman and girl lives free from fear and violence, and it can contribute to building a better future for all.

Thank you.