Solheim will be a fearless champion for women’s rights

“Women’s participation and gender equality are absolutely essential for development. We cannot combat poverty and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals if half of the world’s population is excluded from political and economic processes,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim when he launched the white paper On Equal Terms: Women’s rights and gender equality in international development policy today.

The white paper emphasises the importance of women’s full participation in political and economic process and in education. The Government will take a proactive role in efforts to combat female genital mutilation, forced marriage and violence against women.  

“In matters concerning women’s right to control their own bodies and sexuality, the Government should be a fearless champion of women’s right to safe abortion on demand. The Government is also seeking to implement concrete measures and will take a clear and bold stance on sensitive issues such as sexual orientation and the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals,” said Mr Solheim. 

The white paper is the first of its kind to be drawn up anywhere in the world, and this is the first time the Storting is being invited to discuss the role of women in international development policy as a separate issue. 

Press contact: Information Adviser Hilde Klemetsdal, mobile phone: +47 91650528