Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria
The inclusion and participation of women in the peace negotiation processes as well as in the decision-making bodies in developing countries offer more opportunities for the consolidation of democracy in the world.
Women's rights belong to human rights which are strongly defended by the EU. Women's rights should be fully respected and no tradition, culture or religion should be accepted as justification for violation of these rights.
To promote women's rights, we need to combat gender stereotyping which continues to be at the root of violence against women. We need to promote change and make boys and men the strongest defenders of women\'s rights and gender equality.