Speech
22nd Anual Pacific Basin Title Ten Family Planning Conference
By Miriam K. Hughes
U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia
(May 5, 2008, Pohnpei Hospital Training Room, Nan Mal, Pohnpei, FSM)
Thank you for the opportunity to share a few remarks at the 22nd Annual Pacific Basin Title Ten Family Planning Conference, which will focus on sensitive medical issues that are critical to the wellbeing of women, as well as to men.
The health and empowerment of women is irrevocably tied to the safety, security and prosperity of the world. Women are essential agents in bringing about change. They are an often overlooked resource in managing threats arising from disease and poverty. The United States’ mission to advance democracy, prosperity and security worldwide depends upon the participation and leadership of women.
If women do not participate in the political process, there is no real democracy. If women are deprived of economic opportunity, development is crippled. If women are not educated, they cannot pass knowledge to their children and there is no security for the next generation. Investing in women – in their health and education – is good business. Healthy women are more productive at work.
President Bush’s $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ensures that the programs it supports meet the unique needs of women and girls, including victims of trafficking, rape and domestic abuse. Eliminating violence against women has long been a goal of the United States. It requires a multifaceted strategy of legislation, education, health and infrastructure reforms.
By enabling women, we help bring about a brighter, more hopeful, and more peaceful future. Every day, around the world, women demonstrate courage by pursuing an equal voice and opportunities on behalf of us all.
I have talked to women about their hopes and aspirations. And I’m convinced that most of us want essentially the same things: to be respected for what we think and do, to lead healthy, meaningful lives, to purposefully use our gifts and to receive recognition. That’s the kind of positive wave of influence that you can generate by providing health education and counseling. Your vital efforts will help our children and grandchildren to inherit a safer and better world. Each of you here today has the power to imbue others with the knowledge and self-confidence to realize their dreams, elevating the banner of equal opportunity as a right for us all.