Speech by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the Global Fund for Women 25-Year Gala on 30 October, 2013, in San Francisco

Good evening!

It is wonderful to be here with all of you to celebrate 25 years of the Global Fund for Women.

I thank the team under the leadership of Musimbi and Board Chair Leila and all those before them who nurtured and built this organization.

I cherish my association with the Board. I know that together when we stand up for women’s rights, we stand up for peace, democracy and justice.

When we empower women and girls, we empower a community and a nation. We empower the world.

I thank the UN Secretary-General for his words. He deeply believes women’s rights, women’s groups and civil society are necessary for the success of the United Nations.

Just last week the UN Security Council said this loud and clear, and agreed to increase the number of women in peace talks and peacebuilding.