By and large, women in New Zealand are fortunate compared with some other countries, including many in our own region. But there is still progress to be made.

The Platform for Action gives due emphasis to the fact that women globally have continued to have insufficient access to the resources necessary to achieve economic independence.

Too often the desire for peace has been expressed by women while the stewardship of the mechanisms which are used to attempt to secure peace in the short and medium term are dominated by male decision-making structures and informal arrangements. This must change.

Ten years ago in Nairobi we said that the participation of women in the decision-making and appraisal processes of the United Nations was essential if the organization was to effectively serve women's interests.

NGOs have a significant role to play, alongside governments, in improving the status of women.

I can't for the life of me see that by being permissive you actually assist anyone.

Peace is a fragile thing. It takes courage to secure it. It takes wisdom to maintain it.