Women hold up more than half the sky and represent much of the world's unrealized potential. They are the educators. They raise the children. They hold families together and increasingly drive economies. They are natural leaders. We need their full engagement... in government, business and civil society.

This quote by Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is a powerful affirmation of the essential role women play in shaping families, societies, and global progress. When he says, “Women hold up more than half the sky,” he echoes and expands on the famous Chinese proverb that women “hold up half the sky,” emphasizing that women contribute equally—and often more—to the development and stability of the world. His message is not just about recognition but about mobilization—urging societies to fully harness women's unrealized potential.

Ban highlights women’s central role as educators, caregivers, and economic contributors, pointing out how they raise children, hold families together, and increasingly drive economies. These are not just supportive roles—they are foundational to any society’s long-term success. His statement underscores the truth that sustainable development, prosperity, and peace cannot be achieved if half of the population is underrepresented or excluded from key sectors.

The quote also frames women as natural leaders, asserting that their voices and capabilities must be present across all areas of influence—particularly in government, business, and civil society. Ban’s call for their full engagement reflects his broader commitment during his UN leadership to gender equality and the empowerment of women, which he championed through initiatives like UN Women and the HeForShe campaign. His leadership emphasized that global challenges—from poverty to climate change—require inclusive, gender-balanced solutions.

Ultimately, Ban Ki-moon’s quote is a rallying cry for equity, recognition, and action. It reflects the moral and strategic imperative to invest in women not as a matter of fairness alone, but as a pathway to collective progress. By advocating for the full inclusion of women, he challenges governments, institutions, and individuals to rethink outdated norms and embrace a future powered by the contributions of all people.