PPFA Congratulates First Head of UN Women

Planned Parenthood is ecstatic to congratulate Michelle Bachelet as head of the new UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women--UN Women for short. The initiative will be charged with coordinating efforts to advance women's rights and empowerment across the globe.

Michelle Bachelet was not only the first woman president of Chile, but she is also a physician and a former minister of health making her more than qualified for the position. Bachelet has been consistent with her support for women empowerment and reproductive rights throughout her career. Most notably, Bachelet facilitated the 2006 Chilean law that allowed free distribution of emergency contraception in an effort to lower teenage pregnancy rates.

Though gender inequality seems to be a struggle of the past for many, there are endless hurdles for Bachelet and UN Women to overcome. Cultures of rape, human trafficking, and genital mutilation are rampant throughout developing countries all over the world. But it is hopeful to finally see gender equality a priority on the international political agenda.

Planned Parenthood applauds UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on this decision to appoint Bachelet, and looks forward to the progress that is to come for women and girls of the globe. Congratulations Michelle Bachelet! Let's see what you can do.

International Planned Parenthood Federation works for these same internationl women's issues. IPPF aims to promote and provide reproductive health care and contraceptive services to particularly women across the globe who would otherwise have little or no access. To learn what you can do to help, go to http://www.ippf.org/en/help/ and make a donation or become a volunteer. Or click here to do your part for Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Technorati tags: Michelle Bachelet, UN Women, gender equality