UNITED NATIONS, (CMC) — Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says her election as the first woman president of Suriname has broken the glass ceiling, politically, in her country, acknowledging that much more needs to be done for women to achieve gender equality.

“I can confidently conclude that this is a testament to the historic achievements of this landmark world conference. My election as president has paved the way for girls in particular, both nationally and globally, to dream of something that was considered unusual just 30 years ago,” she told the 30th anniversary of the Fourth United Nations (UN) World Conference on Women.

Geerlings-Simons said if the world claims to want to achieve gender equality, the involvement of women and men, girls and boys, is essential.

“It is therefore our duty as a global community to ensure that every child’s dreams and aspirations can become reality,” she said, citing the commitment and work of many pioneers at both the political and intergovernmental levels who are placing women’s empowerment and gender equality at the centre of the global agenda.

The Surinamese head of state said that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action offer a bold and visionary framework for improving the position of women and achieving gender equality, both globally and nationally.

“Women in my country have always been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom, justice and economic development,” she said, adding that Suriname will remain committed to the Beijing Declaration and that the country has made gradual progress in strengthening legislation, promoting gender-sensitive policies and implementing programmes to address persistent inequalities.

Geerlings-Simons also mentioned some of the challenges her country faces, including economic inequality, gender-based violence, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls.

“These must be addressed with renewed urgency and vigour. We also face new challenges, such as the negative influence of social media on the self-image of many girls and young women.”

Geerlings-Simons recognised the valuable role of international partners and institutions working to advance women’s rights and achieve gender equality.

She said that her Government will do everything in its power to promote women’s rights and protect girls and women from gender-based violence.

“Let us redouble our efforts to ensure that no one—men, boys, women, and girls—is left behind. Because as women and men, we are stronger together,” Geerlings-Simons said.