CSW 2010 Guest Blogger: Becky Douglas, President of Rising Star Outreach

A FASCINATING THREE DAYS

 I was only able to attend the CSW for three days, as I had to leave town on Thursday.  I found it fascinating to have so many women brought together to find consensus, in spite of our differences.  From the Muslim, Catholic, Mormon conservative groups, to the feminist groups, there was clear challenges presented to find what unites us, rather than what divides us.

 Even in individual classes, the great divide between us was obvious. In one class, one woman commented on how the idea of a male God was demeaning to women and needed to be changed.  She challenged participants to sign a petition to change the gender of God. (I had never realized before that gender could be changed by a petition!  I had always thought it had to be changed by an operation!)  In the same class, at the end of the other spectrum, a woman in Muslim dress took exception to the idea that marriage at a young age, for religious tradition, was at all demeaning to women, and in fact, claimed it to be a great protection for women.  It was a perfect demonstration of the opposite poles we have to navigate to come up with a common agenda.

 What a great exercise in learning to respect and accommodate differing cultures and beliefs!  I personally believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.  It was inspiring to be a small part of participating in that process.

 I was also extremely impressed with the delegation from WOW.  I felt thrown into a group which was far above me in their accomplishments.  Each woman was truly an inspiration—people who had given their lives to improving the lot of women throughout the world.  Most were entrepreneurs in their endeavors—simply women who had seen a need, and then jumped in to find a solution.  It was an honor to be included in their midst.  Thanks for a truly remarkable three days! 

 Becky Douglas, President

Rising Star Outreach