url(/SiteCollectionImages/President%20of%20Finland%20Meeting%20with%20Mrs.Mubarak%20October%2020,2009/05.JPG) no-repeat
President of Finland discusses Women’s Participation and Empowerment.
On the occasion of the official visit of H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland to Egypt, The Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement (SMWIPM) in cooperation with the Embassy of Finland organized a panel discussion
entitled “Women’s Participation and Empowerment for Peace and Security” on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 17:00 at the Cairo Marriott Hotel in Zamalek.
The discussion, held under the auspices and in the presence of Her Excellency Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, President and Founder of the Peace Movement, was attended by representatives of international organizations, civil society, diplomatic missions, Friends of the Movement and members of the SMWIPM Youth Network.
In her welcome speech, the H.E. Suzanne Mubarak underscored why the International Peace Movement is dedicated enhancing the participation of women in peace and security processes.
Mrs. Mubarak introduced President Halonen by saying that she serves as a role model to women, not only in Finland but all over the world as "a person of passion and compassion who cares profoundly for peace."
In her address, President Halonen recognized Egypt's continuous efforts towards peace and understanding throughout history, even during times of conflict.
Like Mrs. Mubarak, President Halonen emphasized the need for a strong collaboration all sides to reach this goal. "Half the globe is women and they are powerful actors," she added.
Halonen said that we have to encourage fellow citizens by giving them concrete success stories of women and their role.
The President of Finland is recognized internationally for her activism and staunch support of women’s leadership and participation. She is a prominent lobbyist for the promotion of women’s empowerment, economically and through education. President Halonen was appointed as the new Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders in March 2009 and in her recent address at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009, she called for the full participation of women on the issue of Climate Change.
The Peace Matters lecture series features internationally recognized and prominent speakers who have contributed to enhancing global understanding and harmony. According to H.E. Mrs. Mubarak, the lectures are designed to raise awareness of peace issues and motivate audiences to engage with their communities in building a culture of peace. “The quest for peace has been with us for a long time,” Her Excellency said. “Our commitment must consistently be reinforced to spark the change we want to happen.”