We applaud the unwavering efforts of the UN and its specialized agencies to confront the problems that affect mostly women. The work of these bodies and the international community's moral and financial support for such efforts have changed the lives of many, both young and old. Working together, we have taken steps to promote equal opportunity, educate girls and women, change unbalanced inheritance and divorce laws, advance political and economic equality, and eradicate traditional practices harmful to women and girls. For example, the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights focused solely on women as victims of armed conflict. While the issue of protection of women cannot be ignored, I hope that Security Council action will emphasize the leadership role women can and should play in restoring peace.
Women are an under-utilized positive force for peace.
The Fourth World Conference on Women recognized that they must be fully involved in preventing and resolving conflicts. We must actively promote formal mechanisms, which support a consistent female presence at the peace table, in peacekeeping operations and in the peace building efforts to reconstruct institutions vital to lasting stability. The Secretary-General, by appointing qualified women to visible positions of influence, has set a laudable example for us to follow. The challenge before us is to emulate their achievements in other international and regional organizations, in national governments, and across all levels of society. The United States applauds the appointments of these women, and we want to see more done.