UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden's statement on international women’s day

Alii, Kaselehlie, Iakwe, Kamawir Omo, Mauri

A Happy International Women’s Day to everyone, particularly to the women and girls of Palau, FSM, RMI, Nauru, and Kiribati.

This year we are celebrating international women’s day in a unique manner. One that encourages us to enhance innovation and women’s access to technology to unlock opportunities and address inequalities at every level. One that is themed “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”

As you may appreciate, gender inequality is one of the most significant barriers to development and requires imminent action at every level. In addressing this, technology can play an important role. It can be an equalizer in development. Access to devices, access to connectivity, and access to information and digital skills, are essential to reshaping and transforming the lives of women and girls. Their increased use of technology will result in more creative solutions and may enable innovations that help realise gender equality.

Together with Micronesian governments, civil society, and development partners, I and my UN colleagues are striving for collective actions to enhance gender equality to achieve an equal and sustainable future for everyone. A future that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A future that is free of violence, including online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence. A future where no Micronesian woman or girl will be left behind.

Thank you