UN deputy chief: Women will bring peace
In exclusive interview, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, tells Ynet peace will bring better chances for equality between sexes
The integration of women in leadership roles is not a question of will, but an obligation, according to Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN.
Migiro, who is responsible for the organization's policy on sustainable development and the status of women, spoke with Ynet in an exclusive interview on Monday during an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. According to Migiro, more women leaders are a necessity, as they bring to the table a different leadership style and represent more than half of the world's population.
The position of the deputy secretary general is a relatively new one, and Migiro is only the third person to fill it. Migiro, who visited Israel in 2005 as the foreign minister of Tanzania, was touring Israel for the first time in her current capacity on behalf of the world body since taking the job in February. The purpose of her short visit was to participate in this week's convention run by the Foreign Ministry for women leaders around the world.
'Important roles to play'
Migiro appeared fairly satisfied with the status of women in Israel, and said she saw an improvement in that of Palestinian women. She was of the opinion that Israel had much to contribute to other countries in the way of development and women's rights, and saw much positive in the role of women leaders like FM Tzipi Livni, Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik and Former Prime Minister Golda Meir.
Furthermore, she added, women are especially sensitive to conflict situations as humans, mothers, and caregivers. In her opinion, because women understand the importance of peace earlier than men, joint activities between Palestinian and Israeli women are of crucial value.
Aviram Zino contributed to the report
