Interactive Dialogue Building back better - women's participation and leadership in COVID-19 response and recovery 18 March Statement by State Secretary of foreign affairs, Aksel Jakobsen,

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all differently, women and men, girls and boys.

We must recognise these differences as we look forward to rebuilding our communities.

We cannot build back better, without women engaging in decision making on an equal footing with men.

This is why the inclusion of UN-Women in the governing body of the Norwegian- initiated UN multi-donor fund for Covid-19 response and recovery is so important. Having UN Women on board is essential for promoting dedicated, targeted interventions and gender mainstreamed programming.

Norway has been a consistent supporter of gender awareness in the work of the multilateral development banks to support equality in rebuilding. *** Enormous progress has been made in the field of education over the last few decades. The pandemic represents an unprecedented set back. Students must return to school as soon as possible. Education allows them to qualify for decent work, engage in political processes and education prepares the next generation of decision-makers.

Attending school also provides protection. Girls are more vulnerable to harmful practices, including , when not in school. Child marriage limits girls’ opportunities and places them at risk of other forms of violence. There has been a worrying rise in child marriages as a result of school shutdowns during the pandemic. We also know that girls are at greater risk than boys of not returning when school shutdowns are lifted.

Last year Norway launched its strategy to combat harmful practices. In carrying out this strategy, we work closely with the UN system and civil society. The strategy aims at combating child marriage, female genital mutilation and son preference.

Engagement with civil society organisations is a vital element of Norway’s development policy. It is through civil society that we gain local and frontline insights, which enables sustainable development, reaching the most vulnerable and ensuring that we leave no one behind. This is why around 25 per cent of our budget is channelled through civil society organisations.

Norway has for many years been a strong advocate for ensuring that women and women’s organisations are represented in all peacebuilding efforts. Norway’s engagement in the Compact for Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action strengthens these efforts, and contributes to furthering the Women Peace and Security agenda.

Women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services is fundamental to Norway. Norway has been and will continue to be a strong defender and supporter of women’s right to take full charge of their own future. In a covid recovery situation this will be more important than ever.

We commend UN Women’s work to promote women’s participation and leadership in response and recovery efforts.

Norway will continue to promote , quality education, a strong civil society and SRHR because they are tools which empower women to lead.