Montevideo, November 21 (RHC-PL) -- Uruguay convened today the joining of the world drive HeForShe, promoted by the UN organization devoted to gender equality and the empowerment of women (UN Women), aimed at involving men and boys as defenders and agents of change for gender equality.

The launch of the initiative was made at the Executive Tower (Government), in the presence of resident coordinator of the United Nations in Montevideo, Denise Cook, and the Undersecretary of the Presidency, Juan Andres Roballo, among other figures.

Roballo announced that President Tabare Vazquez was invited to be among 10 heads of State worldwide taking part in the campaign, which is an honor.

He said this is a solidarity movement to raise awareness about gender inequality, and the initiative is called "Impact 10 by 10 by 10," in the sense that it commits ten presidents, as well as a similar number of multinationals and rectors of universities.

He said Vazquez' presence in that select group responds to the commitments assumed and put forward in the government program, including the National Care Plan which prioritizes childhood and the universal nature of the educational offer, the improval of child care coverage and the education programs against gender and domestic violence, among other measures.

The UN Women initiative defends the equalitatian participation in priority areas like the increase in leadership with female involvement, the elimination of violence and the involvement of women in the processes of peace and security.

Similarly, in the economic empowerment, with emphasis on gender equality as a central element in planning national budgets for development.