Zonta International Convention 2008
Speech by Maria van der Hoeven, Minister of Economic Affairs about the power of women, at the Zonta International Convention 2008, Saturday 28 June at De Doelen, Rotterdam.
'Roses also grow under thorn bushes.' These wise words by the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus are fitting, and not only for the Zonta rose that has just been officially named.
Ladies... How wonderful, just for once, not to have to add 'and gentlemen'!
Ladies, for centuries, we women have kept the world turning. As mothers, we give our children the gift of life. As wives we support and comfort our partners. As sisters and friends we listen, we offer a shoulder to cry on or give a word of encouragement. As daughters we take care of our parents. Each of these are important roles, roles in which we all recognise ourselves to some extent. And it has been that way for hundreds and thousands of years. In literature, art, politics and everyday life.
Without Juliet, there could be no Romeo. Without Gala, no Salvador Dalí. Without Elizabeth Bennet, no Mr Darcy (Pride & Prejudice). Without Jackie, no John F. Kennedy. Without Queen Noor, no King Hussein. Or rather, those men would have existed, but their sparkle would be less bright, their bearing less impressive, their achievements less remarkable. The women in their lives inspired them, supported them and gave them love and power. Let's be frank: without the Juliets and Galas, the Elizabeths, Jackies and Noors of this world, the men would hardly amount to anything! The world might not literally grind to a halt, but in the end, the women are the ones who actually keep it turning.
Zontians, it is time we turned the spotlight on the worldwide power of women! We don't need to wait for the men to do it for us - we can do it ourselves. I stand here today not only as Minister of Economic Affairs but also as a woman, as a former Zontian and as someone who believes in helping others. In making the world a better place. Sometimes the smallest ripple of change can grow to become a roaring wave.
In my work, I find it inspiring to see how enthusiastic, creative and determined female entrepreneurs are. Take Marlies Dekkers from Rotterdam, for example. An internationally successful businesswoman and currently the subject of a remarkable exhibition at the Kunsthal. Perhaps you have already seen it. Dekkers designs lingerie that makes women feel beautiful, powerful and confident. Not for their men, but for themselves.
Marlies is a woman who shows that if you have an idea, you must believe in it and go for it. You must be passionate. That's what being an entrepreneur is all about.
Thanks to your visit, Rotterdam has been transformed into 'La City 2008'. Let us make it the 'feminine capital of the world'! Women and the feminine aspects of Rotterdam will be in the spotlight for the whole month. Two thousand women from 67 countries making women the focus of the city. And if the Zonta International Convention can do that, just think what else we might achieve!
Ladies,
We can do great things. As individuals certainly, but above all together, as a team. By sharing our knowledge and experience, by encouraging, inspiring and supporting each other. Our mothers and grandmothers taught us to be modest. Now it is time to stop standing in the shadows of others. Instead, let us concentrate on our strength and on all the things we can achieve. With our shoulders back, our heads up, and our eyes fixed on the horizon. Full steam ahead!
Zontians, I wish you a wonderful conference and a great time in La City of Rotterdam. Enjoy each other's company and live your lives as beautiful Zontian roses. Not simply for the benefit of others, but for yourselves!
Thank you.