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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Remarks of Ambassador Harriet Babbitt, USAID Deputy Administrator
to the Closing Ceremony, Women and Leadership Training
January 22, 1999
Ladies--and gentlemen--good afternoon.I would like to congratulate you on successfully completing this training, and to express my thanks -- the opportunity to address you here today is truly an honor. I say that for two reasons. First, the work that Women for Prosperity is doing, under the direction of Nanda Pok, is vital to Cambodia's future. The leadership training you have received these past few days is an excellent example of the importance of that work. Women are often the essential agents of change. Their daily actions and decisions determine whether efforts to improve such things as education, nutrition, family planning, child health and sanitation translate into real change in the lives of their families and their societies. The knowledge, skills and leadership you women take back to your communities can help other women to become the agents of change in new ways, as well. You can help them to take a more active role in bringing about the kind of change that will help build a better future for them, their families and their communities. The second reason I am honored to address you is that I have long supported bringing more women in positions of leadership. I understand that Cambodia now has ten women elected to seats in the National Assembly. That's a great start, but it is important that you not stop there. More women judges, more ministry officials and prosecutors will help to assure that women will benefit fully from human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
I hope you will also use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to support and participate in the work of Cambodian non-governmental organizations that are helping in the reconstruction and development of your communities -- and your country.
Develop your skills at the local level, concentrate on areas where you can make an impact, and the rest will take care of itself.
I'd like to close with one last point: it is my personal belief that the history of Cambodia, especially over the past 30 years, would have been vastly different if more women had become involved in the political life of this wonderful country.
That's true not only here in Cambodia and in other countries in Asia – it is true in the United States, in Europe, and all over the world. If women work together, we can help create our rightful place in society. As partners in the decision-making process, we can also help speed social progress, increase economic development, promote a higher understanding of human rights, and make the world a better place for everyone.
Thank you again for letting me share this important day with you – and good luck to all of you!
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
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Last Updated on: July 12, 2001 |
