Joining other women in the world, Minister Butler joined Senator the Honorable Hazlyn Francis, President of the Senate in Antigua & Barbuda, and The Hon. Dr. Jaqui Quinn-Leandro, President of the Inter-American Commission of Women and Minister responsible for Gender Affairs in Antigua & Barbud at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Nassau Bahamas – The Honorable Loretta Butler-Turner, Minister of State for Social Development attended the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
The Commission on the Status of women is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women. Representatives of Member States gather every year at the United Nations headquarters in New York to, among other areas, evaluate the progress on gender equality, identify challenges and formulate policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.
This year’s session was convened on Monday, 25th February 2008 under the theme “Financing for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women”.
The Session began with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, launching a multi-year campaign to end violence against women. The Secretary General made an urgent call to world leaders, Member States, lawmakers, United Nations entities, civil society, the private sector, the media and individuals to work together to end such violence.
During his address, he stated that “violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable”. He also noted that no country, culture or woman was immune.
Minister Butler-Turner also addressed the session.
