International Bulletin - May 2001
Madeline Albright at Beijing Plus Five
The women's movement has flourished because of the underlying power of its central premise, which is that every individual counts. Each of us should have the knowledge and power to make our own decisions. We may make different choices about how to live, where to work and even what to wear, but we must all have the right to decide.
Because our movement is not about making each woman the same. It is about recognizing and appreciating women's diversity, and about treating each individual fairly. This principle is the magnet that has brought us together across the boundaries of ethnicity and vocation, generation and gender.
And it is the power of this principle that enables us to envision the day when every girl, everywhere, will be able to look ahead with confidence that her life will be valued, her individuality respected, her rights protected and her future determined solely by her own ability and character.
That is the goal we set in Beijing five years ago. That is our purpose here in New York this week.
And that is the mission that will lift our spirits, guide our actions, and unite our efforts in countries across the globe for many years to come.
Thank you all very much.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002