For example, I am encouraged that last year the Commonwealth launched a global effort to train and support half a million more midwives worldwide. In all this work the commendable goal is to create a greater opportunity for women as children and adults to pursue their hopes and dreams, to attain their goals, and to make best use of their talents and knowledge. This year, and on Commonwealth Day especially, as governments continue to search for new ways to tackle these important challenges, let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women-so that everyone can have a chance of a fuller and more rewarding life, wherever they happen to be born.