Remarks by Anders Pedersen on the launch of of the 9th edition of the Women’s Film Week

Excellencies,

Dear guests and friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a sincere pleasure to join you this evening to launch the 9th edition of the Women’s Film Week.

I watched with great interest this exchange between Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal and young activist Ms. Ranin Shaqildi. This is such a powerful testimony on how different generations are joining forces and mobilizing at all levels to bring lasting change to their communities.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is more needed than ever. Every day, through our actions, and in the way we lead, talk, question and act, we can be part of the solution, transform the narrative, influence change, take action and inspire others to create a more equal world.

Personally, I’m constantly inspired by the work of women advocates in Jordan. Their energy is truly contagious; the resilience they are demonstrating in such difficult circumstances is remarkable.

Media professionals are important partners to amplify all women’s voices, especially those at risk of being left behind. As such, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, the artistic directors, and all national and international partners that contributed to make this initiative possible.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.

Jordan took bold measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate the socio-economic impact on the people and the economy. Yet, as we have seen globally, across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to social protection, the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated for women and girls.

But women have also been on the frontlines of pandemic response, working alongside men as essential workers keeping people alive and holding economies, communities and families together. Today, we want to renew our sincere gratitude to all of them for their efforts and sacrifices.

COVID-19 now provides us with an opportunity for transformative, positive action to redress long-standing inequalities in multiple areas of women’s lives. This is a job for everyone – and for the benefit of everyone.

In particular, and as many young people are watching today’s event, I would like to invite you to sustain the momentum we are witnessing, to drive urgent action and commitment for women’s empowerment in the COVID-19 response and beyond. We can all ‘act for equal’.

As UN system, we will continue supporting the Government of Jordan and national partners in achieving national priorities for gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through key frameworks such as the National Strategy for Women 2020-2025.

Thank you.