Kamala Harris defends the role of women in democracy at the UN

Kamala Harris becomes an inspiration for girls 2:13

(CNN) -

Kamala Harris declared Tuesday that "the status of women is the status of democracy," during her first speech to the United Nations as America's first female vice president.

"Eleanor Roosevelt, who shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, once said: 'Without equality there can be no democracy.'

In other words, the status of women is the status of democracy, "she said during the 65th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

“The status of democracy also depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women.

Not only because the exclusion of women from decision-making is an indicator of a flawed democracy, but because the participation of women strengthens democracy, "added Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris' debut at the UN comes less than two weeks after she addressed the European Parliament to mark International Women's Day.

The interventions seek to consolidate Harris as a key emissary of the Biden administration on the international stage.

This despite the fact that, due to the coronavirus restrictions, it appears virtually on the forums.

People close to Harris say foreign policy and national security are key areas he wants to develop.

They explain that the vice president has taken steps to reinforce her experience since taking office, for example building her own relationships with foreign leaders from the corridors of the White House through phone calls.

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Kamala Harris addresses issues that hinder women's participation at the UN

Tuesday's remarks had been recorded last week, administration officials say.

When they aired, Harris was flying from Los Angeles to Denver.

This is his first domestic trip to promote the US $ 1.9 billion COVID-19 relief law.

Kamala Harris spoke at length about the current situation of women.

He highlighted the progress they have made in representing Americans in elected office, caring for family finances and careers in the military.

She also outlined the ways in which women have specifically suffered during the coronavirus pandemic.

“When women face obstacles to obtaining quality health care, when women face food insecurity, when women are more likely to live in poverty and therefore disproportionately affected by climate change, they are more vulnerable to gender-based violence and thus disproportionately affected by conflict, well, it is more difficult for women to fully participate in decision-making, which, of course, in turn makes it much more difficult for democracies to thrive Harris said.

Strengthen the US commitment to the UN

A source familiar with the preparation of Kamala Harris said that the speech was important to reaffirm the government's commitment to the UN, especially after the Trump administration that was characterized by distancing itself and to emphasize the important role that women occupy in the world.

“For 15 years in a row we have witnessed a worrying decline in freedom around the world.

In fact, experts believe that last year was the worst on record in terms of the global deterioration of democracy and freedom, ”Harris said.

“That is why, even when we face a global health crisis and an economic crisis, it is essential that we continue to defend democracy.

To that end, the United States is strengthening its commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral system in general, "he added.

Harris has spoken openly about the situation of women in America during her first months as vice president.

She recently wrote an op-ed for the

Washington Post

focusing on the mass exodus of women from the workforce during the pandemic and has highlighted the issue of gender equity during multiple interviews and public events.

Kamala harris