Beyond Storms and Stars - A Memoir

Noeleen Heyzer was the first woman from outside North America to be appointed as Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the first woman Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). She reflects on her journey from a young girl from underprivileged circumstances in post-war Singapore to a trailblazer of womens global leadership at the United Nations in her memoirs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA

Noeleen Heyzer's remarkable journey from humble beginnings in post-war Singapore to becoming a trailblazer of women's global leadership at the United Nations is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Growing up in poverty, Heyzer faced numerous challenges but never let them deter her from pursuing her dreams. She attended the University of Singapore and the University of Cambridge, where she developed a deep understanding of social issues and the importance of empowering women.

After working for several international organizations, Heyzer was appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in 1997, making her the first woman from outside North America to hold this position. Her leadership at UNIFEM was marked by her commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide.

In 2006, Heyzer took on a new challenge as the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), becoming the first woman to hold this position as well. At UNESCAP, she worked tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, advocating for policies that would benefit marginalized communities.

Heyzer's achievements did not go unnoticed, and she was appointed as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2016. In this role, she played a key role in shaping the United Nations' agenda on gender equality, sustainable development, and humanitarian affairs.

Through her memoirs, Heyzer reflects on her journey and shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities that women face in the world today. She celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the courage of individuals, communities, and societies to transform structures of discrimination and injustice.

Heyzer's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and the role that women can play in shaping a more just and equitable world. Her work at the United Nations has inspired countless individuals and organizations to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

In conclusion, Noeleen Heyzer's journey from underprivileged circumstances to the United Nations is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of equality. Her work on women's empowerment and global leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities, and her memoirs offer a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that women face in the world today.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 215 x 136 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814954242