Advocating for Women

Can I just tell you how much I love having a UN badge?  Even after a year and a half, I still get giddy every time I sail into the United Nations Secretariat and show my badge as I pass through security.  Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work at the UN, so here I am in New York City as the United Nations NY Representative for the Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW).

How did I get involved?  I was in graduate school when the opportunity arose to represent WOW at the UN.  I’ve always been passionate about women’s rights, so the responsibility of representing women and their influence for good at meetings, conferences, committees and UN missions sounded like it would be a great learning experience.   It has been fantastic!  I put on my nicest business attire (and that wonderful badge) and have access to conferences, meetings and panels on world issues. There are delegates to meet, experts to greet, and a whole UN system that I have hardly even begun to understand.  I’ve attended international conferences on topics such as HIV/AIDS, sustainability, women and the financial crisis, climate change, violence against women in the media, and many others. There just isn’t enough time in my schedule to attend all of the interesting, pertinent events here.

One of the things I most enjoy about my position is attending the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) when women from around the world gather in New York at the end of February to address women’s issues.  (CSW) was established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to promote women’s rights in the political, economic, civil, social and educational fields.  There is such energy present as thousands of women from all corners of the globe join together to discuss issues impacting women.  They come from different backgrounds, languages, and customs, bringing with them different perspectives, ideas, and hopes for change.  The days are full and exciting, filled with briefings in the UN Conference room, caucuses, panels, presentations, and long discussion with new friends over dinner at one of New York’s countless restaurants. I have enjoyed connecting with incredible women who are also working in their own countries on the same issues that we’ve convened to discuss.

The Priority Theme for 2009 was:  “The equal sharing of responsibilities between men and women, including care giving in the context of HIV/AIDS” (CSW 53, 2009 )   The 2008 theme was: “Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women” (CSW 52, 2008)     In addition to the Priority Themes, each year WOW hosts side events such as panel discussions focused on the year’s topic and how it relates to our mission of connecting women and their influence for good.  As we have shared our vision of creating change through advocacy, education and humanitarian activities, we have developed associations and friendships with women from around the world that we’ve invited to participate at these panels.

When other members leave after the first week of CSW, I have the privilege of spending another exhausting week of finalizing draft conclusions in addition to more workshops, caucuses, and meetings with missions.  I’ve taken the opportunity to sit at the table as the words are being drafted for proposed changes to the draft conclusion.  Working hard on proposals, networking, and learning are different but equally rewarding aspects of CSW that make it a valuable and truly memorable experience for me.

CSW is a highlight for me, but we’re busy as bees at UN Headquarters all year long, not just during CSW!  I’m a member of a number of committees, each with monthly meetings and a plan for action.  For instance, the NGO (Non Government Organization) Commission on the Status of Women brings together ECOSOC NGOS who are all advocating for women’s rights at the UN for monthly meetings.  The themes of the meetings vary as we meet with ambassadors and experts in and around the UN to educate ourselves and to build our networks.

I’m also involved with two subcommittees—the Subcommittee on Violence Against Women, and Women and Climate Change.  These are two particular areas of personal and professional interest for me, and since these committees are smaller, I get to contribute greatly to the discussion on what our goals are on these issues! Check out the new website for the Subcommittee on Women and Climate Change —we’re working hard to advocate for a gendered perspective in the climate change negotiations going on now to prepare for COP 15 in Copenhagen in December.

WOW also advocates for families through education, strengthening the family, and supporting family-friendly policies.  The NGO Committee on the Family meets monthly on various themes concerning the family worldwide and brings in local and international experts on “family” to lead discussions. I was also recently elected to the Board as the Correspondence Secretary, and now have the opportunity to plan upcoming meetings and events.

If you’re in New York City and interested in attending one of these or another NGO committees at the UN, contact us!  I encourage you, (yes YOU!) to get involved, no matter your age or circumstances.  Each little part can help!  I’ve learned these last few years that you can’t make a difference if you aren’t at the table….    Suvi Hynynen, WOW NY UN Representative

Interested in attending CSW 54 in March 2010?    Let us know!