Melanne Verveer Quotations

Investments in women are positively correlated to growth, prosperity, stability, democracy, health - and vital to our national security. We cannot write off the talent of half the world and expect to confront our challenges.

The role of business in advancing women's rights is growing, particularly in the area of economic opportunity including opening access to training, mentoring, networks, markets, technology and even to capital in some circumstances.

For me, leadership is making a difference. It's using your agency to bring about change.

Over time, I've come to recognize what others bring to the table, and I've developed a much more team-based approach. There's the saying that there is no end to what one can achieve if one doesn't have to take the credit for what was achieved.

I believe to be a leader is to enable others to embrace a vision, initiative or assignment in a way that they feel a sense of purpose, ownership, personal engagement, and common cause. I was very affected as a child by my father's positive example as a civic leader who inspired others to share his commitment to improving our community.

My major obligation or responsibility is to work to integrate gender issues throughout the work of the State Department.

Women in business are talented leaders who can share their skills as trainers, mentors and advocates.

Studies demonstrate that as gaps are being closed between men and women - in access to education, in health, even in economic participation - the most difficult gap to close is in political participation. Somehow that sharing of raw power, political power, remains very illusive.

The most important lesson I've learned is how rich and rewarding life is when one can engage in meaningful work, whether on the job or outside of work.

Women can achieve power and purpose in whatever profession they pursue, position they hold or whether they are caring for their children full time.