Mr. President, gender equality and women empowerment strategy of the UN, especially through the creation of UN Women, deserve commendation and support. Nigeria's support for UN Women, to which we have made substantial contributions, reflects our desire to harness the potentials of women in the task of nation building.

The record is far from impressive at the moment as the number of women around the negotiation tables continues to be strikingly low. I welcome the efforts by the UN Women to change the situation, and call upon us all to make a commitment to involve more women in this work. Women and men have marched together for a better future. It is important that they continue to participate side by side in building a democratic society.

Peace processes need to be more inclusive. I would like to stress the importance of full and effective participation of women in all stages of peace processes

Peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and mediation are at the very heart of the United Nations. Mediation has to be used at every stage of the conflict. We need to enhance the capabilities of the UN in this field. Training and guidance are pivotal. Also, women's participation as well as grass-roots activities and the work of NGOs are vital for our efforts

In conclusion, and as we celebrate the centenary of International Women's Day this year, we are to take more advantage of the potentials and talents of half of the humanity, and not just seek to consecrate gender equality in principle.

And no country can realize its potential if half its population cannot reach theirs. This week, the United States signed a new Declaration on Women's Participation. Next year, we should each announce the steps we are taking to break down the economic and political barriers that stand in the way of women and girls. This is what our commitment to human progress demand

Mr. President, I feel that here today, I represent all the women of the world. The nameless women, those who starve and cannot feed their children. Those who are wracked by illness and cannot receive treatment. Those who suffer violence and who are discriminated in their jobs, their societies, and their family life. Those who labor in the home to raise future generations.

In my country, women have been fundamental in overcoming social inequalities. Mothers play a central role in our income distribution programs. It is they who manage the resources that allow families to invest in the health and education of their children. Yet my country, like every country in the world, still has much work ahead of it when it comes to empowering women.

We women know better than anyone that unemployment is not just a statistic. It strikes at families, at our children, and at our husbands. It snatches away hope and leaves behind violence and pain

Brazil has found that the best development policy is combating poverty and that a true human rights policy must be based on reducing inequalities between people, regions, and genders.