Eddie Burke

International Women's Day 2009

Today we mark International Women's Day 2009.

Women are the key to the Millennium Development Goals becoming a reality. The world won’t achieve the MDGs in 2015 without bringing about gender equality and the empowerment of women.

As Gordon Brown quite rightly pointed out in his speech to the UN in September 2007: "The alleviation of poverty and hunger demand global recognition (of) women’s leadership and organizing capacities. Women’s work in agriculture and export promotion are key to sustainable development. The road to sustainable development begins with inclusive policy-making."

Most of the poorest people in the world are women and part of what makes them poor is borne solely out of their gender.

Did you know that in rural Africa it's women, not trucks, who carry two-third of all goods? Many women there are forced to stay at home to work during the day - of course, they sacrifice an education and career do be able to do so.

The MDGs represent a fresh desire to provide education and career opportunities to these women. Some women are not allowed to work at all, however. There are also women afflicted with serious health issues who don't have access to proper treatment. So MDGs not only create opportunities, but also work to promote the equal and fair status of women at home, in education, health, politics and work.

Progress for women not only changes their lives but will better the lives of future generations of women. Women must have equal rights to end poverty. Until then, it won’t happen.

Posted at 13:03 09 March 2009 by Eddie Burke  |  Comments[2]

Time to recommit

Prime Minister Gordon Brown strongly believes that the global community must work together to make 2008 a turning point in the fight against poverty, and in particular build global momentum. This Thursday he'll be joined in New York by other world leaders including Tanzania's President Kikwete, France's President Sarkozy as well as other notables from around the globe.

The purpose of this high-level event -- called by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN General Assembly -- is to focus world commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and to set out clear plans and practical steps for real action. Issues such as malaria, education, maternal health and food security will be covered in depth.

For those who aren't familiar, the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) were agreed at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. Nearly 190 countries have subsequently signed up to them.

The goal remains quite simple: To eradicate poverty by 2015. Easily said right? The calendar says we are halfway from 2000 to 2015. But the reality is that we're a long way from success. This week is an opportunity to get moving in the right direction once again.

Posted at 12:23 19 September 2008 by Eddie Burke  |  Comments[1]