Tonight was the Launch of UN Women and what a line up for
the evening.

The event included Ban Ki-Moon, Michelle Bachelet, Ted Turner, Geena Davis,
Nicole Kidman, and a special message from Shakira.

Women’s rights are human rights is the theme and the same theme that Hillary
Clinton mentioned last year in her address at CSW.

The President of the General Assembly opened the evening.  His message was
that the UN has supported women over the years and its latest commitment is UN
Women.

Ban Ki-Moon also addressed the Assembly about UN Women.  He said that just
this week there was an international conviction for victims of a mass rape.
 UN Women is working to eliminate harmful practices against women. This
year is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s day.  Mr. Moon
vowed to support UN Women and he vowed to raise money, too. His address was
straight from the heart.

Next was the most important speaker, Michelle Bachelet.  She is such a
dynamic speaker and is going to be a great leader with UN Women.  She said
that it is no longer acceptable that women suffer from gender inequality.

Several Ambassadors and the Princess of Spain spoke.

The last presenter I saw was Ted Turner.  He has been a big contributor to
the UN and we hope that he will choose to fully support UN Women with money and
time.

I leave the rest of the review to my partners in crime covering the CSW.

Andrea T. Mills, SI UN Rep NY