Find Your Voice and Share It

“Spiritual and religious practices differ widely around the world. But at heart we are dealing in universal values: to be merciful, to be tolerant, to love thy neighbour. No tradition can claim a monopoly on such teachings; they are deeply ingrained in the human spirit. They also animate the Charter of the United Nations, and are enshrined in international human rights law, and lie at the root of our search for world harmony and peace.  If we are to overcome the many challenges facing us today…we must recognize that our own individual well-being is linked to the well-being of the broader human community.  Whatever our origin, race, culture or belief, each of us shares the hope of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future. And we share the same home, an ever smaller planet on which we are bound to live together. So let us work together towards the common good and the peaceful coexistence of all the world’s people.” Kofi A. Annan, UN Secretary-General  NGO Forum June 29, 2006

This heartfelt plea strikes a chord with members of the Worldwide Organization for Women who are seeking to address the crushing needs of the world’s oppressed by advocating for policies that strengthen women, marriage, and families. Policy makers and public officials in many parts of the world are beginning to recognize the social, cultural and economic importance of good marriages and healthy families.  A woman’s influence upon her family and community can have more lasting and significant impact upon society than government programs or agencies, no matter how well intentioned or well funded they are.

WOW works in a variety of ways to improve quality of life for individuals as well as nations.   WOW representatives in NY and Geneva are active at the UN, speaking up, drawing attention to women’s issues and organizing for change.   Members and interns from several universities sponsor panels and roundtables, and sign written/oral statements in collaboration with other NGO’s at UN events in NY, Paris, Brussels and Geneva on a variety of issues such as: Education of girls in Afghanistan; Female Feticide and Infanticide; Value of Women’s Unwaged Work in Society; Peace Panels; Honor Killings; Forced Marriages; Early Marriage; Migration and Health; Bioethics and Gender Networking.  

So much happens behind the scenes of political and governmental policy making.  WOW representatives are not only able to share their voices but they also provide members with information that can help them become agents for change.  Some examples of the work WOW is doing:

• Research and advocacy at the Human Rights Council and Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) and CoNGO  in areas such as health, education, peace, economics and family issues
• WOW members attended the Doha Conference and were in attendance in NY when the Doha Declaration was taken to the UN General Assembly and resulted in the Doha Document for the International Year of the Family.
• WOW sponsored a conference entitled: “A peaceful world comes from peaceful people”.  A presentation on the “Underground Railroad” honored Americans who had courage and strong convictions to oppose slavery.
• In Geneva, WOW assisted a program which allowed students to attend the UNESCO Slavery exhibition at the UN. “Heroic women are continually fighting to free enslaved people of today from the bonds of poverty, illiteracy and disease. Their work is helping individuals and families secure the rights and freedoms that all should be able to enjoy regardless of where they live, their culture or religion.”
• WOW presented “Women and their Influence for Good” Conferences in 2005 and 2007 honoring women from around the world for their achievements
• Supported the American Mothers Legacy Project.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who have no voice?  Join WOW and be a part of our efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals, as well as nations.