ISO: FIN *************************************************************************** The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Secretariat. *************************************************************************** AS WRITTEN Statement by H.E. Mrs. Tarja Halonen Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Beijing, 6 September, 1995 Mrs. President, Let me begin by congratulating you on your election to the presidency and at the same time thank China for hosting this conference. The fact that this conference is arranged in Asia and in China gives us an opportunity to open up a dialogue between women all over the world, in order to advance the equal status and human rights of women. The solidarity between women has been manifested throughout the negotiation process. Especially the input of the NGO's has been crucial. I would have liked to see all those who have been part of this process here today. Women and men with equal rights and responsibilities are the key to human development. We, women have to act as agents for change. Also men should realize that by changing their traditional roles and attitudes, they have a lot to gain. This concept has worked well in the Nordic countries. In this context I would like to remind you that the Finnish women were the first in the world to get full political rights as early as in 1906. The universality, interdependence and indivisibility of all human rights must be respected. Full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all women is a prerequisite for full equality. Governments must not limit their actions to passing laws that guarantee equal rights, but also ensure that the outcome is real equality. Special attention should be given to particularly vulnerable groups, such as women belonging to ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities as well as indigenous peoples, refugees and women with disabilities. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is the international bill of rights for women. However, reservations made by certain countries prevent achievement of non- discrimination and full enjoyment by women of their fundamental rights. Finland appeals to those states to withdraw their reservations as soon as possible. The human rights of women could furthermore be strengthened by additional international standard setting. An optional protocol to the CEDAW providing for a complaint procedure would facilitate access to justice in the cases of human rights violations. Finland supports the drafting and early acceptance of such a protocol The right to education is a fundamental right. Full equality between women and men cannot be achieved unless boys and girls are ensured equal access to education at all levels. The gender perspective should be included in education in all branches. Women's right to equal health care and social security is a basis for the enjoyment of all other rights. In many countries the health situation of women is worse than that of men. Individual social security which covers everybody guarantees also women a basic living standard and is effective against poverty. The right to health includes sexual and reproductive rights. Education in family planning, use of contraceptives, safe abortion as well as information on health risks are essential to the exercise of these rights. In Finland we have clear evidence that sex education, easy and open access to contraceptives significantly decrease the number of teenage pregnancies and abortions. We are convinced that an open and positive approach to sex gives the best results. Mrs. President, The violations of the rights of the girl child receive for the first time due attention here in Beijing. Governments have to put an end to harmful practises and abuse of girl children. Gender-based violence is a global problem. It is linked to power structures and male domination in society. We must not tolerate violence against women in any of its' forms neither in the public nor in the private domain. Particularly abhorrent is the increasing use of violence against women as a method of warfare. Full participation of women in political life is fundamental to democracy. In the Nordic countries women take an active part in political decision making at all levels. This is a result of a long tradition of free participation in different organisations including political parties and trade unions. The proportional electoral system combined with individual candidatures promotes women's political empowerment. Equal pay for work of equal value has to be promoted in the public and private sector. Reconciliation of work and family life is crucial in accomplishing women's equal opportunities. In Finland maternity and paternity leaves and benefits, leaves for parents of sick children, day- care services and free school meals have proved to be necessary for women's full participation in working life. Economic independence of women is the basis for full equality. Women must have equal right to ownership of land, property, inheritance and credit. Cultural or religious traditions should not be used to restrain these rights. This Conference must give its full support to all women so that these rights become a reality everywhere. An increasing number of the poor are women. This should be clearly recognized as a fundamental aspect in the complexity of poverty eradication. Mutually reinforcing action is required. In particular gender aspects should be integrated into macroeconomic policies and programmes. Furthermore support for women's organizations is vital for the empowerment of women. The situation of women in the least developed countries is a particular concern to the Finnish government. Finland is one of the leading countries with respect to equality between women and men. In the recent UNDP Human Development Report Finland was ranked number two. The Government of Finland nevertheless continues to commit itself to the advancement of equality. Mainstreaming will be further enhanced. Finnish women's participation indecision making has recently been strengthened through a 40 percent quota system for national and local government committees and boards. Equal pay for work of equal value as well as equal opportunities will be further promoted. A comprehensive action plan will be prepared to prevent and eliminate violence against women, for healing the victims and rehabilitation of the perpetrators. My government is determined to integrate the gender aspect in all development cooperation in order to improve the status of women and girls. The institutional capacities to promote gender equality will be strengthened. This Conference must give hope for a better future. As the Secretary General of the Conference, Mrs. Mongella said in her opening statement "Action is the only way forward". Sisters and friends, let us do it! Thank you Mrs. President.