May 20 , 2015 United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon has stated that women are becoming recognized as equal decision makers in families and do very well in ensuring a harmonious environment for the proper development of children.
Ban Ki-moon said this in a statement as part of activities marking the International Day of Families, under the theme, “Men in Charge – Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families.”
The Sec Gen’s statement said discriminatory laws and practices that did not give equal rights to all and that suppressed women and children’s rights had no place in contemporary families, communities, societies and nations.
According to him, “Yet in too many countries, discrimination against women and disregard for children’s right remain built into family laws and government policies and prevailing social norms often condone and justify many discriminatory practices.”
Mr Ban Ki Moon shared his belief that discrimination and neglect is a recipe for violence, and that it threatens women and children’s health while limiting their chances to complete education, thereby limiting their potentials.
He is quoted as saying “On this day let us resolve to change legal and social norms that support male control over women, reinforce discrimination and prevent the elimination of violence against vulnerable family members”.
The statement ended by citing the new sustainable development agenda the world is shaping for the dignity of all, and as the opportunity for all nations to be united for women’s rights in families and in societies.