I think removing the word “equality” calls into question the legitimacy of having a status of women department, because if we're not working for equality, then what are we doing? Everything depends on that principle of equality and the end of all kinds of discrimination, whether it's overt or systemic. In particular, systemic discrimination is the most difficult to overcome because it has deep fingers and tendrils throughout the entire governmental process and it tends to make it very easy for people to take it for granted that when you pay lip service to equality that in fact actual equality has been achieved.
On December 6th, 2006. See this statement in context.