Former United States First Lady, Michelle Obama, spoke at the closing ceremony of Women Deliver and expressed her solidarity in ensuring women empowerment and equality.
With over 6,000 physical delegates and more than 200,000 virtual participants from around the world, the conference concluded on a high note, emphasizing the pressing challenges faced by women and girls globally.
In her virtual address, Michelle Obama expressed her admiration for the leaders gathered at the conference, praising their relentless efforts in championing women’s and girls’ rights on a daily basis. She acknowledged the critical juncture the world finds itself in, from ongoing conflicts and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to the looming threat of climate change, which all have the potential to undermine progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Despite the daunting challenges, Michelle Obama remained hopeful for transformative change, attributing her optimism to the collective efforts of those present at the conference. She emphasized her commitment to stand with them, acknowledging their vital role in driving movements and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequalities.
During her speech, the former First Lady highlighted the role of grassroots organizations in effecting change and encouraged attendees to continue challenging the systems hindering progress for women and girls. Michelle’s support extended beyond her words, as she reaffirmed her dedication to women’s empowerment through the initiatives of the Obama Foundation and the Girls Opportunity Alliance.
Women Deliver conference served as a pivotal moment to galvanize global efforts toward transformative change. Attendees committed to continuing their fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment, rallying together to create a better and more inclusive world for all.