Let's talk WomenTalk
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer from Singapore was the first executive director
From the Southern Hemisphere to head the UN Development Fund for women, or UNIFEM
Dr. Heyzer was also a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
And has greatly contributed to upholding women's rights in the world
WomenTalk TV had the privilege to speak with this remarkable woman
On her thoughts on leadership, issues surrounding women, and life
Why did you want to start working for the
United Nations and what drew you to this field
of work?
The United Nations has one of the best principles anywhere
Its charter. It's very inspiring. It starts
with we the peoples where people could build
on their commonalities, where there'll be
shared values
And what are some of these shared values and what type of a vision and the principles that
will keep a society more intact
How did you overcome these challenges and not let it hold you back?
In any leadership role, one needs to be very sure of your purpose
Very often, it's the fact that it's difficult
for people, especially the marginalised to
claim these rights
So how do you empower people in such a way that they know they have rights to deliver
a just development agenda for them
We need to look at the world as an interconnected whole
And how can we really bring about the best?
Or how can you inspire the best of human potential?
Bring about what I call a more resilient world, one that is based on social equity
On sustainability and on shared prosperity
And finally, what is empowerment to you?
To be empowered means you understand what power is. That you have the power to build,
with others, to generate alliances
You have the power within, you have the power of potential to transform the world and make
it a better place
Dr. Heyzer's work is truly prolific and insights into the world invaluable
Let us all be encouraged that there are people out there like her fighting for the good of womenkind
