Putting Women at the Heart of Pandemic Recovery
2020 and 2021 were two years that challenged the world in ways that most of us have never experienced in our lifetimes. Humanity has been tested and our spirit and collaboration have all been crucial in ensuring we continue to move forward and find a way out of the pandemic.
I am so pleased that we are entering 2022 with an increasing number of women at the right tables where key decisions are being made for the safety and prosperity of the world. This includes there being more female Heads of State than ever before and internationally, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was named Head of the World Trade Organization. It is essential that women are at the heart of the pandemic recovery planning and play key roles in establishing a path forward for us all.
As we are learning to live with COVID19, we will find a "new normal" of living and working. We know that women were particularly affected by the global lock-downs, due to the majority of childcare falling on them. We must make sure that generations of women are not set-back and progress continues to be made in levelling the professional and economic playing fields for women and men.
Everyone should have the same opportunity to be vaccinated across the world
We all know that the vaccine has been an incredible achievement across the world. The speed and the commitment of so many scientists is something for us all to be proud of. However, as we continue to live with this pandemic, it is critical that the COVID19 vaccine is distributed equally. Unfortunately, the COVAX fell short of delivering 2 billion doses in 2021. It is vital we meet the goals of the initiative, as unless the global population has the opportunity to be vaccinated we will not come out of this pandemic and we will have let millions of people down across the world.
Keep focus on commitments made in Afghanistan
Afghanistan continues to be one of the most pressing challenges the world faces today. We cannot let it be forgotten as we move into 2022. Many of those living in Afghanistan are now suffering with famine and COVID19. There are severe physical and mental risks surrounding those who are not fed and suffering from deplorable health conditions. This is a country where the international community has contributed significantly to its plight. It continues to be our responsibility to not let it be a forgotten land, with women especially suffering the consequences of the failures of so many.
The education of women and girls is critical for any country to achieve economic prosperity and stability. Food security and education are vital for the restoration of Afghanistan. The global community must put more pressure on Afghanistan to ensure women are included in its society, economy and of course the peace table.
No one asks to be a refugee; one is merely a victim of circumstance
Where necessary Britain must step up to ensure generations of people are not lost to their quest for a better and safer life. Countries around the world need to arrange for visa's for those halfway between their homeland and the UK. For those refugees that are here, we must ensure that their children are fed and educated and living in safe accommodations and have access to employment and health services.
Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards 2021
At the end of 2021 I was able to attend the Hillary Rodham Clinton awards ceremony held in Washington D.C., celebrating several extraordinary women trailblazers. The Hillary Rodham Clinton awards are bestowed annually for exceptional leadership in recognizing the important role of women in creating a more peaceful and secure world.
This year they honoured:
Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC (Mexico)
Dr. Marina Pisklakova-Parker, Founder & Chair, ANNA – National Center for the Prevention of Violence (Russia)
Guo Jianmei, Founder, The Center for Women’s Law Studies and Legal Services (China)
Dr. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage and Founder & CEO, Rozaria Memorial Trust (Zimbabwe)
Palwasha Hassan, Director, The Afghan Women’s Educational Center (Afghanistan)
I also attended a meeting for the Georgetown Ambassadors of Women, Peace and Security, where we had the opportunity to meet with one of the recently evacuated Afghan leaders.
As we enter 2022 I encourage you all to assess what small or large role you can play in ensuring we tackle these global challenges together. Over the last two years we have proven how much can be overcome when we come together. We must now apply this spirit to the very serious global challenges at hand including global vaccinations, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing refugee crisis.
I wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe 2022.
All the best,
Baroness Goudie
