Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty the Queen, is calling for supportive measures to be provided to girls and women so that everyone can have a chance of a fuller and more rewarding life, wherever they happen to be born.
In a Commonwealth Day message, Her Majesty said that on this occasion especially, as governments continue to search for new ways to tackle important challenges, “let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women – so that everyone can have a chance of a fuller and more rewarding life, wherever they happen to be born.”
This year, Her Majesty noted, “the Commonwealth celebrates the important role that women already play in every walk of life and in every Commonwealth country – from the richest to the poorest areas, across continents and oceans, from villages to places of international debate, in every culture and faith – recognising that women are ‘agents of change’ in so many ways: as mothers and sisters, teachers and doctors, artists and craftspeople, smallholders and entrepreneurs, and as leaders of our societies, unleashing the potential of those around them.”
The Head of the Commonwealth said further that this year also, the Commonwealth is reflecting on what more could be achieved if women were able to play an even larger role.
“For example, I am encouraged that last year the Commonwealth launched a global effort to train and support half a million more midwives worldwide.
In all this work the commendable goal is to create a greater opportunity for women as children and adults to pursue their hopes and dreams, to attain their goals, and to make best use of their talents and knowledge,” Her Majesty observed.
