On the eve of International Women’s Day tomorrow, I am reminded to be grateful for my rights and freedom as a woman in this country and in the world today. Our mothers and grandmothers have fought hard so that we may stand up and speak out today. We still have a long way to go, to be sure, but I am hopeful. I have to be, because, I need to know my own daughter will enjoy the same rights I do now and even more. I need to know that she will be safe and supported and able to follow her dreams, whatever they may be. But even, as I say this, there are still so many women in the world fighting for their freedom and for their right to be seen, heard, protected and supported. There are so many untold stories of women struggling for even the most basic of human rights, such as safety, education and health care. And that is why it is one of my greatest honors each year to be able to host the N-Peace Award Gala where we recognize and celebrate some incredibly brave women and men who are working towards a more equitable and peaceful future for women in their countries. From Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal, the winners of the 2018 #npeaceawards are truly remarkable and an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all that you do for women in Asia. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #womensrights #undp #npeace #iwd2019 @ Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
