Female leaders urge global solidarity for women's development

During the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing on Monday, several female leaders shared their perspectives. The following are highlights of their speeches:

Cathy Nori, Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs of the Solomon Islands

Through our national gender equality and women's development policies, the Solomon Islands continues to advocate for initiatives that protect women and girls from violence, support women's role in government, and encourage women's leadership at all levels of society. Across our islands, women are rising as community leaders, change-makers, helping to build stronger and more resilient communities. But we also recognize that our journey is not without challenges. Additionally, the growing impact of climate change continues to affect women and girls disproportionately. Indeed, every challenge gives us the opportunity to collaborate and reaffirm our shared responsibility to ensure no one is left behind due to this disadvantage.

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime minister of Norway

The Beijing Declaration in 1995 created a comprehensive and visionary plan, which is still the most progressive benchmark for women's and girls' rights. Much has improved, but there is a long way to go. Female participation in politics and the economy, freedom from abuse and sexual and reproductive health rights are still contested. We must carry forward the Beijing spirit. The battle is not won, so the fight must continue.

Zhang Haidi, former Chairperson of China Disabled Persons' Federation

I think for women, due to their unique physiological structure, they have to bear children and raise them. I believe this enables them to better face pain and trauma, and makes them braver. They will definitely use their indomitable maternal strength to build a better society. As a woman, especially a woman with a disability, my mother is someone I deeply admire. She is 94 years old this year and has been ill for over 40 years. She hasn't been able to speak for 10 years, but she has persisted with great resilience. I always say, my mother is my role model. I hope more sisters can see me and gain the courage to keep going. Having a disability isn't scary; what's scary is losing the spirit to overcome it. As I've said for decades: as long as we have that spirit, we can create all possibilities.