LDC5 spotlights contributions of women and girls in tech, despite tough odds and nagging barriers

The Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) joined the world in marking International Women’s Day, celebrating the achievements of women and girls everywhere. Strong calls for empowerment rang out in the massive convention center, with young women scientists and innovators, like the Afghan Girl’s Robotics Team, urging: “Never give up!”

At noon on Wednesday, LDC5 held a moment of celebration near Maman, the iconic bronze and stainless-steel sculpture by the artist Louise Bourgeois that towers over the main atrium at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Qatar, where the Conference has been under way since last Sunday. A celebration of motherhood, the giant statue, Ms. Bourgeois has said, echoes the strength of her own mother, with metaphors of spinning, weaving, nurture and protection.

“Today should be about reflection and determination to do better, but it should also be a celebration. A celebration of the fundamental contribution made by women and girls, often against the odds, to the achievement of a better world,” said Rabab Fatima, the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). 

However, she reminded the participants that transformation of our societies for a better, more prosperous and peaceful world “can’t happen without first empowering women and girls”.

To that end, the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) – which aims at removing structural obstacles to comprehensive growth and sustainable development – “can accelerate access and open doors to classrooms, boardrooms and staffrooms for women and girls in all the LDCs,” said Ms. Fatima, who is also the Secretary-General of the LDC5 Conference.

“Let us continue to work towards a world where all women and girls have equal access to every opportunity.”

The jubilant ceremony also featured a traditional African dance performance by Muda Africa from Tanzania, the winner of the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity, which helps creatives seize the opportunities offered by the digital environment.

Read the full article on UN News

Available in Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish