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
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
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
WOW hosts Asha Elmi in Washington D.C. Read about her from the Somali View
The Worldwide Organization for Women was able to host Asha for a week in Utah and also a week in D.C. during October. While in D.C. she spoke at George Washington University and Georgetown among other places. A Number of websites have posted press release and pictures regarding the Somali event for Asha in Washing ton D.C. Below are are some of the links:
http://www.somaliweyn.org/pages/news/Oct_09/23Oct24.html
http://midnimo.com/view.php?id=2544
Response to Conference Women and their Worldwide influence for Peace
POSITIVE COMMENTS about the WOW conference
Thank You, so so much, I feel my heart, mind and soul invigerated. I feel Changed
Wonderful opportunities to learn more about WOW and to meet women who are working to do so much good. Good handouts. Lovely lunch and speakers. Thank you all for the tremendous amount of effort you went to, to provide us with this opportunity. I am looking forward to more!
Excellent presentations, How can I help? Judeth
Appropriate stories, presentations that teach, emphasize and update us to current conditions, problems, needs and opportunities.
I thought the conference was great. Incredibly inspiring to have these good women speak about the things they do.
Wonderful! I was truly touched: Marianne
It was inspiring
The day was really beneficial and inspiring. I learned a lot and how every small thing contributes and can be the cause of a positive snowball effect.
Due to this conference i will donate either physical or financial contributions.
Valerie Hudson was very interesting. She brought up questions and points that have never crossed my mind. Charlotte Hamblin showed how big a difference a handful of people can make and how easy it can be to serve and give
I am grateful to have been exposed to WOW and also grateful such an organization exists, Favorite Speaker Carol Ugochukwu
Many great points were provoked in me as I listened to the speakers. I felt so privileges in my life to realize how much one person can truly do.
This was a great conference, Thank you
I think you guys did a great job. I learned a lot.
I would really like to get involved somehow. Kim
International level conference, Award luncheon of the highest quality, refinement, beauty, fabulous speakers, well organized and very professional. excellent videos and power points.
I think that there was fabulous information relayed. I love that there were stories told and Inspiring experiences shared. I have been able to work in the Philippines and orphanages, woman’s shelters and also in China. These stories touched me because I have also seen firsthand the problems that women are facing. I love that you have given us hope. That each of us as individuals CAN make a difference. I would like to know more about your internships or if there is any way we could ravel with you to these countries and be able to give our help there. Whitney
IDEAS FOR Now and next time:
Contact information and name of attendees: We will be sending information out to all WOW members, Many of you joined at the conference. We will be sending a monthly news letter to members and then posting information from the speakers on the blog
More displays tables of ongoing WOW activities: The only thing keeping us from putting up more displays was man power. With your help the next conference will be even better.
More interactive sessions: We had no idea the interest in this conference. Next time we will have work sessions. Great suggestion!
More time to make connections with others and to network: Great Idea, we will incorporate this into the planning
Problem solving and brainstorming: We hope to be getting information out to you about meeting in small groups and finding ways you can contribute to issues you learned about. Visit this site often!
