Unfortunately work has an annoying tendency to get in the way of important things, like translating an otherwise interesting interview with Mary about what she was up to while in New York recently, visiting the UN.
So here is a brief summary of an interview in Billed Bladet #40, 2018.
Interviewer: Marianne Singer.
Mary is a member of the international panel; High-Level Task Force for ICPD.
Q: Why is the struggle for girls and women's rights still equally important to You?
Mary explains that girls are women are instrumental in order to create a sustainable development worldwide.
Even though there has been much progress a lot is still needed, especially in regards to a world in rapid change with more long-lasting conflicts, where women are particularly vulnerable.
(Women and girls are especially targeted in warfare. Both in order to create as much devastation and physiological scars as possible. But also to keep your own side fighting... - Because what will happen to our women, if the other side, whom we have terrorized and raped, win?)
Also in regards to the climate changes are women's right crucial. Women are particularly vulnerable to such changes.
(When the economy of social structure is strained or breaking down, women are even less prioritized in regards to education and girls are even more at risk of becoming a "merchandise" directly as well as indirectly.)
The solution and aim is offer equal opportunities for women and also for girls to educate themselves. That benefits everyone, themselves, their families and their countries.
(Indeed! The areas under the control of such entities as the Taliban and ISIS must be extremely wealthy, since they can afford to discount half their talent mass...)
Q: How has Your work developed since You entered the royal stage?
Mary replies that there has been a natural development for her since she began this commitment some 15 years ago and as she learns more about the many aspects that is connected to women's rights.
"This week for example we have talked about women in crisis situations, as refugees, or about how the private sector must be a part of the development and invest in and contribute to an development which also benefits girls and women. You cannot talk about sustainable development or inclusive growth without talking about girls and women. So in that way my role has become broader and has changed, and I speak on different platforms today..."
Q: You still have a great passion for the subject?
"Absolutely" responds Mary. Who has a strong belief that the world will become a better place if women has equal opportunities.
That is far from being the case worldwide and in some places the situation for women is almost unbearable to contemplate. And that must be changed.
She does however go home optimistic and with a number of specific ideas she will work on.
Q: Have You enjoyed Your visit in New York?
She has. Admitting that is has been a busy schedule not only encompassing women's rights but also green energy, sustainable architecture and circular economy.
(Which I must confess I'm not familiar with.)
Q: Do You become proud of representing Denmark, when You hear how much Denmark is a pioneering country for among other things gender equality and green solutions?
Very much so, is Mary's reply.
"Denmark has been a champion because we are a very equal country and we know from experience that that an equal country provides more opportunities inclusive growth and for a well-functioning country in progress. And Denmark
is a country where both men and women gets the opportunity to reach their full potential..."
(Emphasized by me. And I will add that it IMO not only applies in gender equality but also economic equality. I.e. income.)
- Well, as you know Mary is not someone to be brief, when she has a message to put across! But I hope this brief summary nevertheless made sense to you.
And here is last weeks issue of BB:
https://app.box.com/s/h7fhxk0sjbn5ua6bxrb5xwntez6j4oic
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