Promoting an enabling environment for nursing parents, essential to workplace gender equality: PGA

Promoting an "enabling" and "caring" environment for nursing parents is essential to gender equality in the workplace, says the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid.

Shahid, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, made this remark at a speech delivered at the inauguration ceremony of nine lactation rooms at the United Nations.

Noting that promoting an “enabling” and “caring” environment for nursing parents through assured access to “user-friendly”, “dignified” and “dedicated” lactation rooms is “essential” to gender equality in the workplace, the PGA expressed gratitude to all involved.

He also extended appreciation for those who will maintain the rooms and carry this effort forward.

PGA Shahid noted that the project to refit and expand lactation services at the UN was a joint collaboration between his office, the Department of Operational Support and the governments of both El Salvador and New Zealand.

Shedding light on the amenities available at all nine lactation rooms, PGA Shahid proudly noted that they are fully equipped with all necessary provisions.

Shahid said necessary provisions include a baby changing station, a mini refrigerator, a microwave, ambient lighting, lounge seating, footrest, side tables, family-oriented artwork and ambient music to create a user-friendly lactation room.

He said that the renovation of eight existing rooms and the addition of an entirely new room, accessible to delegates and those in the Secretariat as well as guests, will empower women in diplomacy.

This he said, will strengthen the resolve to achieve gender parity and gender equality at the UN and in positions of power.

PGA Shahid went on to extend his sincere appreciation to the Under Secretary-General of the Department of Operational Support Dr. Atul Khare for responding to his request and for allocating necessary resources to enhance the infrastructure of these lactation rooms.

The Maldivian foreign minister also extended special gratitude to his Special Advisor on Gender Equality, Ambassador Darja, his Gender Team and the entire Office of the PGA for guiding him through the important process.

He concluded his remarks by expressing hope that all Member States, agencies, civil societies and others visiting the UN premises will adopt such initiatives and help create gender-sensitive working environments for nursing parents.