Soroptimist International has written to outgoing Head of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet, to express appreciation for her “strength and commitment to the rights of women and girls” and “exemplary leadership”.
“You have inspired our membership across the globe to pursue gender equality at all levels of decision-making and to advocate gender as a cross cutting issue”, write Soroptimist International Programme Director Hilary Ratcliffe and Assistant Programme Director Anusha Santhirasthipam in the letter of thanks, dated 12th April.
The paediatrician-turned-politician was appointed Under Secretary General of the UN and Executive Director of UN Women when the gender-equality entity was established in 2010. Set up to be a global champion for women and girls, it brought together four previously distinct UN entities that focused on gender equality and empowerment.
“We were delighted when Ban Ki-Moon appointed Michelle Bachelet as the first Deputy Secretary General for women”, says Hilary Ratcliffe. “She has worked incredibly hard and been an excellent global voice for women and girls”.
The former Chilean President announced her departure from the UN during her closing address to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March .
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon praised her “ visionary leadership” and said “Her fearlessness in advocating for women’s rights raised the global profile of this key issue. Her drive and compassion enabled her to mobilize and make a difference for millions of people across the world.”
Bachelet has announced that she will stand again for the Presidency in Chile’s elections late this year. Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director, has been appointed as the Acting Head of the organization until further notice.
Image: Michelle Bachelet (right) with SI UN Rep Yoko Komori Olsen at the UN Women Executive Board Meeting and International Widows Day event June 2011