And just last Sunday, Mrs. Clinton joined women from Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, and the former Yugoslavia at a Conference in Sophia to discuss the contribution that women can make to the future of southeastern Europe. I mention the Vital Voices Conferences, the meeting of Women Finance Ministers and the meeting of the women in Bulgaria because it is important that we view our meeting and our work this week in Manila not as an isolated event but rather as part of a growing movement and ongoing dialogue taking place in every region of the world. All of these meetings have one thing in common. Advancing the role and status of women isn't just a social or moral issue - it is an economic imperative. In this time of economic crisis, it is instructive to remember that around the world it is being proven that investments in women are sound investments in a country's future.
Women are half the world's population.
Investments in women and girls' education and training, in adequate health care and the support services that enable women to balance their work and family responsibilities are investments that benefit not just women, but their families, their sons and their husbands, as well as their daughters. When women gain the knowledge and power to make their own choices, they often are able to break out of the cycle of poverty and build prosperity. When women have extra money to spend they often choose to spend it on their families. The goals of APEC Leaders for the improved economic and social well being of our societies can only be achieved by investing in women. As I listen to women throughout the international community, I am struck by the common concerns that bridge our differences in language, culture, economic development, and political structure.