Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Najib Tun Razak said investing in girls' and women's education,
health, safety, rights and financial independence not only pays but is
also a smart investment.
He said there were undeniable values in such investments as when girls and women were empowered, the benefits would extend beyond the individuals.
"Freed from the unnatural constraints of inequality, women can
realise their potential as active participants in the community and in
the world," he said.Addressing the 3rd Global Conference on Women Deliver 2013 here today, Najib spoke about the government's commitment to ensure that the health and well-being of girls and women in this country were viewed as priorities, not mere afterthoughts.
Najib noted that with the government's re-election came new and increased commitment to empower women and girls in an effort to drive the nation's development forward.
"Every girl and woman in Malaysia, regardless of her religion, political affiliation, social status or location, deserves a safe, healthy and prosperous life. Our national, regional and global stability depends on it," Najib said.
Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also patron of the conference, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim and Women Deliver president Jill Sheffield.
