Citizen of the World

As a North Korean refugee, Soon-Young Yoon understood from an early age that people's destinies are connected to international events. This book is a collection of her reflections as a feminist who has worked both for the United Nations and for the international women's movement. Written through the lens of an anthropologist, these essays traverse the boundaries of being an insider and an outsider of the UN.

Yoon has seen the struggle for human rights in all corners of the world and has met people in urban slums and in UN offices. She urges us to look at the world through women's eyes to understand why gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable populations, is essential to our collective good.

The stories in this book also reflect her belief that one needs to understand a wide range of issues in order to shape our common future.

This book includes essays on ending violence against women and girls, finding the Earth's balance, and claiming the right to social and economic development. Readers will find stories of collective voices that are changing the world, glimpses of great women leaders, and the many identities of global citizens.