US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale participated in the opening ceremony for the May Chidiac Foundation’s “Women on the Front Lines” conference, as part of the American Embassy’s celebrations throughout the month of March for Women’s History Month and for International Women’s Day. The American Embassy co-sponsored this event, which focused on inspirational female leaders.
Hale quoted US Secretary of State John Kerry as having recently said that “women’s progress represents human progress, because no society can succeed if it leaves half of its population behind”.
“In the United States, we have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. The standard of course is not just a seat at the table, but whether a seat at the head of the table is available as well,” he said, noting that out of 535 members of Congress, just 20% are women.
During his address, Hale noted that he has seen the strides his country has made towards equal rights for women through the experiences of his family, adding that he is proud of the progress achieved in this regard but remains humble because it has been a long road and we are not nearing its end yet.
Hale noted that an investment in women and girls across the globe is an investment in the prosperity, stability, and peace of our world, adding that the rise of violence threatens all people regardless of their gender.
“History shows that women and girls suffer disproportionately in the face of such violence,” he stressed, noting that it also shows that values are stronger than any extremist ideology, and will prevail.
“Among our most cherished values is gender equality,” he concluded.
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