Together, we stand to face what is one of the 21st century's greatest obstacles -- the marginalization and disenfranchisement of women.
Russian people don't believe that a woman-leader can be accountable, tolerant, stress-resistant, determined and lead a community. In reality, Russian women are limited in realizing their potential.
Between 18 and 20 years of age, delegates from each G-20 country and the European and African Unions participating in the summit are experiencing immersion into the important issues of global food security and abuse of children and women.
I am proud to say with confidence that I am one of the many advocates for the 3.5 billion girls and women across the globe. How about you?
Women need to be empowered and aware of their own voice and potential to make a difference. Women are the key to economic productivity and social stability. It's time to engage!
Despite the crucial role that women and girls play in their communities, they are all too often seen as a burden. To change such perceptions, we need to give them access to the resources they need to realize their full economic potential.
I found it curious that there were no men on the team, to which the women explained to me that the men in their communities were silenced by fear and denial. To these women, however, fear and denial was not an option. As one of the women put it, "If I don't do it, who will?"
Women farmers work hard to grow food for themselves and their families, and for sale. They plant and tend, fertilize and weed, harvest and process -- in short, do all it takes to produce a crop. But they don't get much in return.
It is no secret that Japanese society is "burdened" by gender-based discrimination and lack of adequate social recognition of girls and women.
We should get to the point where being a woman or a girl is a non-issue as regards rights and access to health, education and jobs. This is still not the case in too many countries.
Based on the G20 model, the G(irls)20 Summit brings together 21 girls from all over the world to discuss and come up with solutions for these different existing issues.
It is unfortunate how much violence still exists in Brazil, largely against women. And most part of these women are not able to say anything about it. They usually do not denounce the aggressor.
Being a woman is a great opportunity but also a responsibility, because our society is so far from being equal and united. Great changes are the result of little actions by each person. What you are waiting for?
Ordinary people, like you or me, can make a change, but in order to do so, civil society needs to be more aware, united, and coordinated so that they can affect our communities in the most effect way until we understand that the change must come from governments and us.
If you help a young girl or woman find the confidence and the belief in her, she will break barriers in the future, both in an economic and political environment and in all areas of her life.
Launched in 2010, the G(irls)20 Summit highlights ways in which girls and women, powered by ideas and courage and are not held back by borders, can play a leading role in global economic development and progress.
