UNMIK/PR/701 - Friday, 8 March 2002

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Speech by SRSG Michael Steiner

SRSG Michael Steiner this evening addressed participants in the opening of an art and music exhibition in the National Theater.

"Ladies and Gentlemen: There are conflicts worldwide. There are women worldwide who are dealing with conflict and the particular burden of work, responsibility and loss that conflict brings. Whether in Kosovo, Palestine, Congo or Afghanistan, war and violence have a profound and lasting effect on women's lives.

"Sometimes conflict can transform women's lives in ways that they might never imagine. Because of the will to survive, to protect their family, and the need to make difficult decisions, women grow in authority, in capacity - and in confidence.

"Kosovo women have their own experience to tell. Many were widowed during the days of conflict. Still, they found the strength to survive and the courage to become the main pillar at home and in the society that surrounds them. They are the main support for their children and families and have learned to get through difficult times, to reconcile with the past and look forward to the future.

"As I look at this audience tonight, I recognize accomplished women who have a leading role in Kosovar politics (such as Nekibe Kelmendi, Flora Brovina and Rada Trajkovic); women journalists who are household names; women who are leading big businesses and companies; women professors of arts and music; women doctors; and of course we should not forget our service women in the Kosovo Police Service who with their dedicated work and patience have earned the respect of this society and are already setting a good example for our own police services.

"But let's not fool ourselves. While we see this tremendous change and the emergence of these women leaders and artists and professionals, we all know that there is a long way to go.

"How will we know when we have achieved a better balance between women and men? I'll tell you when we'll know:

"When we hear women leading the discussions, arguing their case, women making decisions in public and for the public good, women who will take in their hands the affairs of the society, women who will chair international tribunes.

"Then we will know that we are making some progress together.

"Among the Kosovo Ministries we do not have a single woman minister. Yet we have many talented and experienced women in the Assembly. I hope that it will not be long before we see women at the head of Kosovo's Ministries and leading the way.

"Of course, not all women are destined to play such public roles. But the important point is that they have the choices, as men do, about how to make their contribution, what path to choose.

"It is a great loss for all of us if the performance of domestic chores limits women and prevents them from exploring their talents. All over the world we can hear similar sentiments - of the burden of work, the double-duty women perform as workers on the farm, in the office and the shop, and their work at home as wives and mothers.

"If there is one message I want to leave with the women of Kosovo - it is to take the initiative, take the risk. Push yourselves forward, speak out and realise your full potential. The men will manage - and your daughters and your sons will thank you. To weave together the fabric of society, we need the talents, the experience and the wisdom of both women and men as equal partners.

"I want to hear you speak out. I am arranging to meet with a group of women later this month, representing all walks of life and backgrounds. I hope they have a lot to say.

"Kosovo is on the road to political and economic recovery. But overcoming the consequences of conflict and laying the foundations for enduring peace can only be achieved with the full participation - and full empowerment - of Kosovo's women.

Happy International Women's Day!