The International Forum on Gender Equality with over 700 participants from more than 100 countries around the world began today in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Conference was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Margot Wallstrὅm, who highlighted the Feminist Foreign Policy Strategy of the Swedish government, which was promoted three years ago. The strategy is based on the fundamental rights of the human person, according to which, women are equal to men.

The Conference continued with the first panel composed of four ministers in the feminist government of Sweden. Minister Wallstrὅm was joined by Minister of International Development Cooperation and Climate Isabella Lὅvin, Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Ann Linde and the Director General of the Swedish Institute (organization – host of this world forum), Annika Rembe.

“There cannot be peace when half of the population is not sitting at the table where decisions are made”, stated Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wallstrὅm.

“Women make much more useful things for society from their earnings in trade, while men spend their money for themselves”, said Minister Linde.

“The change in the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from ‘All man are born equal…’ to ‘All human beings…’, was a great victory”, said Veronica Birga from the United Nations.

Among the participants of this forum is also Xhabir Deralla, President of CIVIL – Center for Freedom. The participation of Mila Carovska, Minister of Labor and Social Policy of Macedonia has also been announced.

The International Forum on Gender Equality has gathered together representatives of civil society, governments, private sector and academia from all over the world to intensify efforts for a gender equal world.

B.J. 

Photo: X. Deralla