Commission on the Status of Women, WOW Women to Attend
United Nations NYC March 1st to the 15th 2010
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing15/index.html
Ever since I joined WOW in 2004, I have attend the CSW meetings. It is an amazing time to be surrounded by women from all over the world. Most of these women are in NY for the two weeks of the conference to lobby their delegation as well as make connections with other women and NGO’s that share common interests.
Every year a topic is chosen to focus on. Here is a taste of what you can expect. I have taken this description from the UN web site.
15-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (2000)
In March 2010, the Commission on the Status of Women will undertake a fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly. Emphasis will be placed on the sharing of experiences and good practices, with a view to overcoming remaining obstacles and new challenges, including those related to the Millennium Development Goals. Member States, representatives of non-governmental organizations and of UN entities will participate in the session. A series of parallel events will provide additional opportunities for information exchange and networking.
The General Assembly is expected to mark the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in a commemorative meeting during CSW.
You may want to visit this link http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing15/index.html to read more.
CSW runs for two weeks but it is not necessary for you to spend that much time in NY to get a benefit from this conference. We would recommend that your first experience be two to four days. It is expensive to be in the city and the UN can be a little overwhelming. We will find housing for all WOW women so we can be together. The UN is a short walk from Grand Central Station and the Hotel we use is close to both locations.
There is nothing happening at the UN during the weekend. If you want the weekend to be part of your trip you will be on your own to enjoy the city.
So, what will WOW be doing this year at the CSW?
We always try and meet with the US coalition of NGO’s. They will be making plans for a presentation to the USA delegation. Being part of this meeting is critical.
We will be spending time listening to floor debate and participating when we can.
We are always renewing friendships with old friends and organizations we have met over the years.
We love meeting and eating in the UN dining room overlooking the East River.
We are planning three Parallel events. These are happening across the street from the UN
1. Women’s Health: We have been active in Geneva with Women’s health issues. This will be a panel talking about Motherhood mortality in developing countries and the impact of climate change on Women and their access to health care.
2. Peaceabilities, A Violence Recovery program for children: We will Partner with BYU faculty with their ground breaking program on Violence and how to help Children recover from the effects.
3. Education Girls in developing Countries: Three years ago we invited Diana Haskins from Afghan Academy of Hope and her guest Serena from Afghanistan. She will join us again with other friends such as Patti Liston From Reach the Children and Carol Ugochukwu freom Nigeria and director of WOW Africa, to speak about and how one woman can make a difference.
If you have a desire to be with us, let this year be the year you come. Registration is limited only because of the logistics of hosting too many new members. I will take the first 10 who let me know they are ready to book plane fare. As of Dec 18th we have three slots open for new members. Let me know. Registration is open NOW but will close as the conference gets closer. wow@wowinfo.org
Susan Dayton,
President Worldwide Organization for Women
