Paris: Women lost freedom of speech or freedom to choose to fight for their rights and know that the United States stood beside them, US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday.
Harris told the generation of equality forum at the top organized by French President Emmanuel Macron that gender equality was very important to strengthen democracy.
“Use a tool for democracy, whether it’s freedom of speech or freedom to choose.
And if you don’t have that freedom, fight for them and know we will fight with you,” Harris told the video link summit.
Democracy is in danger in countries around the world, Harris said.
“If we want to strengthen democracy, we must fight for gender equality.
Because here is the truth: strongest democracy when everyone participates and weaker when people are left,” said Vice President.
Two months after entering the office, Harris said President Joe Biden’s government would revitalize Washington’s partnership with UN women – the UN agency dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Under the former President Donald Trump, the United States led the encouragement at the United Nations against the promotion of sexual rights and health and reproduction of women because they saw it as a code for abortion.
Harris hit a different tone.
“When women have access to reproductive health care to stay healthy, they can participate more complete and our democracy grows stronger,” he said.
Melinda Gates said the foundation of Gates would direct $ 2.1 billion new money to strengthen gender equality.
More than half will go to sexual health and reproductive rights, while $ 100 million will be spent to help get women to power in government and workplace.
“Women should not only have a chair at the table, but they also have to be in every room where policies and decisions are made,” Gates said.