CSW 2010 Guest Blogger: Jacki Hunlow, President, Mother’s Legacy Project
It is difficult to express feelings about attending my first Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN in New York City. There were so many sights and sounds to take in because of the different cultures, dress styles, head dressings and languages spoken. My hope in going to the CSW was to see and learn for myself issues that are affecting the world. I also was hoping to connect with like- minded organizations. Being with and seeing thousands of women who are hoping to come together or to make their voices heard regarding issues about women, children and families was quite humbling. Each day was packed with possibilities. Attending panel discussions was often inspirational. The speakers were close to you because frequently no more than 50-80 people were in the room. These women, who are totally in the trenches, helping women and mothers improve their lives in so many ways. I say mothers because I believe that over 98% of the women attending the CSW are mothers. I learned more about what mothers are up against in their countries and how they are looking for us to help them help themselves. Help can be in the most simple ways; learning how to teach children to be clean, learning how to solve problems peaceably in their homes, learning how to be safe, developing micro-businesses so they can lift themselves out of poverty. Of course there are terrible issues that millions of women are dealing with like; Fistula, Female Genital Mutilation, violence and degrading laws like, Stoning, that are still on the books in some countries. It was both appalling and enlightening to learn firsthand facts. I came away understanding more clearly the importance of listening carefully, asking better questions, reading and comparing information thoroughly. There were many times and things that were difficult at the CSW because of the large attendance. What I found very easy to do was to connect with women of similar goals and ambitions. Having begun to develop relationships was worth all of the time and money it took to get there. I feel it is so important to be able to multiply our efforts. Then we can truly make a difference and make changes more easily or rapidly together. It was an honor to be a part of WOW. The panel discussion that they were in charge of was one of the best.
I look forward to next year and shorter registration lines!
Jacki Hunlow , President, Mothers Legacy Project
