Violence against women in all its forms is a human rights violation. It's not something that any culture, religion or tradition propagates.

Gender equality will only be reached if we are able to empower women.

Having more women in company boards, in senior management, supervisory positions and workers in the formal sector is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. It's good for the bottom line.

As more and more women, men and young people raise their voices and become active in local government, and more local leaders take action for the safety of women and girls, change happens.

There does not have to be trade-off between growth and social protection. A democracy does not mean much if it doesn't respond to the needs and will of its people.

In today's interdependent world, a threat to one becomes a menace to all. And no state can defeat these challenges and threats alone.

By including women in decision-making, city governments will be in a better position to fulfill their responsibility to ensure the safety of their residents, especially women and girls.