In late March, last year, 2016, I became a parent for the first time. Like so many parents, I wondered how I was going to balance my work with my new role as a parent, and in that moment, I remember that the statistic for the US's policy on maternity leave flashed through my mind. American women are currently entitled to 12 weeks' unpaid leave. American men are entitled to nothing. I remember thinking to myself, "If the practical reality of pregnancy is another mouth to feed in your home and America is a country where most people are living paycheck to paycheck, how does 12 weeks unpaid leave economically work?" The assumption and common practice that women and girls look after the home and the family is a, stubborn and very real stereotype that not only discriminates against women, but limits men's participation and connection within the family and society. These limitations have broad-ranging and significant effects, for them and for children. We know this. So why do we continue to undervalue fathers and overburden mothers? Let us lead by example in creating a world in which women and men are not economically punished for wanting to be parents. Along with UN Women, I am issuing a call to action for countries, companies and institutions globally to step-up and become champions for paid parental leave. The whole world grows when people like you and me take a stand because we know that beyond the idea of how women and men are different. Thank you.