MariamIshak
Ishak Canada From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia's Journey Towards Women Empowerment Saudia Arabia Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Violence against women SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality Women and STEM (2019), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022) See summary Speakers & Key Figures: Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil (UN Ambassador): Presented several initiatives promoting women's economic and social participation, especially in STEM fields. Dr. Sima sami Bahaus (Executive Director, UN Women) Princess Lamia Bint Majed Al Saude (CEO, Rotana Group): Advocated for children and women rights and led several initiatives like "waayia" project Dr. Maymouna Al Khalil (Head of Family Affairs Council): Addressed key legislative gaps affecting women's empowerment. Dr. Hanan El Ahmady (Member, Shura Council): Spoke on legislative efforts supporting women's rights and leadership. Prof. Einas Al-Eisa (Leader, Princess Noura University – the largest women’s university in the world): Highlighted Saudi women’s increasing presence in education. Legislative Reforms: 2022: Introduction of Family Law and removal of the male guardianship requirement. Women now hold 31% of law practice licenses in Saudi Arabia. Several female mayors and members of the shura council Economic Empowerment: Women’s workforce participation rose from 22% to 35% under Vision 2030. 24.7% of small & medium businesses in Saudi Arabia are women-owned. Cultural & Artistic Empowerment: 3,500 female artisans trained to preserve Saudi culture and craftsmanship. Production of 12,000 cultural pieces distributed in major world events STEM & Education Growth: Women now outnumber men in primary and university education. Princess Noura University continues to lead in female higher education as the largest female university in the world. Vision 2030 & Future Outlook: Strengthening policies that support women in leadership roles. Expanding female participation in STEM and entrepreneurship. Enhancing legal protections and social reforms for women’s rights. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} See...
SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 13 March 2025: Do Older Women Have Economic and Social Rights? Parallel event. • International Council of Jewish Women • HelpAge International • The Foundation for Studies and Research on Women • National Council on Aging Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Women and health SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities Bullying (2016), Disability (2016), Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), A Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment is a Human Right (2022) This session aligns closely with Graduate Women New Zealand's (GWNZ) advocacy work, particularly in promoting lifelong education, gender equality, and economic security for women at all stages of life. GWNZ supports policies and initiatives that empower women through education, professional development, and leadership opportunities, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to society regardless of age. The discussion reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, a core principle of GWNZ’s advocacy, by addressing the need for older women to have access to educational resources, upskilling opportunities, and digital literacy programs. This ensures they remain engaged in the workforce, financially independent, and active in their communities. GWNZ’s advocacy extends to promoting intergenerational support, mentorship, and opportunities for knowledge-sharing between older and younger women. This session’s emphasis on intergenerational equity and policy inclusion further supports GWNZ’s ongoing work to shape a future where education, financial security, and gender equality are accessible to all women and girls. This virtual parallel event at CSW69/Beijing+30 examined the economic and social status of older women since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While the Beijing Platform advanced women's rights, older women remain overlooked in gender equality discussions. The session explored progress over three decades, barriers to economic security and social inclusion, and strategies to enhance protections for older women. Discussions focused on policies addressing poverty reduction, financial independence, access to services, and recognition of older women's contributions in both paid and unpaid roles. The panel discussion covered three key perspectives: – Yesterday – Reviewing commitments made during the 1995 Beijing Conference – Today – Examining older women's current financial realities and contributions – Tomorrow – Exploring efforts to strengthen economic security and social protections Speakers included Judy Lear on older women's role in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, Tanvi Patel on their current economic and social status, and Mabel Bianco on the future of older women in relation to the 2030 Agenda and...
SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ Tuesday 11 March 2025 WAGGS, JWLI, BPW International and World Federation of World Peace International Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016), Young Members (2016), Workplace Harassment (2022), Post Pandemic Recovery for Women and Girls (2022) The CSW69 Workshop: Shaping Tomorrow – Young Women Pioneering Change for Equality aligns closely with Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) advocacy efforts, particularly in education, leadership development, gender equality, and economic empowerment for women and girls. GWNZ has long championed initiatives that remove barriers to education, promote gender equity in leadership, and support women in achieving financial independence—core themes explored in this session. The workshop’s focus on mentorship, scholarships, and leadership training directly supports GWNZ’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and career pathways for women. GWNZ’s scholarship programmes and advocacy for accessible, quality education reflect the session’s emphasis on breaking systemic barriers that limit young women’s participation in decision-making. The session’s discussion on age bias, digital harassment, and workplace challenges also ties into GWNZ’s broader efforts to address gender-based discrimination and advocate for policy changes that create safe, inclusive environments for women in leadership. Furthermore, the session’s emphasis on intergenerational collaboration and mentorship aligns with GWNZ’s vision of supporting women at all stages of their educational and professional journeys. By promoting financial literacy, advocacy training, and leadership development, this workshop reinforced the importance of empowering young women with the tools to become change-makers, a key priority of GWNZ’s work in New Zealand and globally. The insights gained from this session can inform GWNZ’s ongoing advocacy efforts, strengthening its role in shaping policies and programmes that support the next generation of women leaders. CSW69 Workshop Summary: Shaping Tomorrow – Young Women Pioneering Change for Equality This CSW69 workshop highlighted the role of young women in driving gender equality and leadership. With the global youth population at 1.8 billion, discussions focused on breaking systemic barriers, increasing participation in decision-making, and fostering collaboration. The session addressed key challenges and opportunities to support young women in shaping a more inclusive future. Key Challenges Despite progress, young women face structural, cultural, and societal barriers that limit leadership opportunities: • Confidence & Gender Stereotypes: Many young women struggle with self-doubt and fear of failure, reinforced by societal expectations. • Limited Access to Decision-Making: Age bias and systemic exclusion prevent young women from participating in leadership. • Funding & Resource Gaps: Many initiatives lack financial support, mentorship, and sustainability. • Digital Harassment: Gender-based cyberattacks discredit young women’s voices...
SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 10 March 2025. Harnessing Aotearoa NZ's GenZ leadership to confront gender equity barriers. Side event? YWCA, Pacifica Inc, Te R?p? W?hine M?ori Toko i te Ora (M?ori Women’s Welfare League) Women and the environment SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG15 – Life on Land, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Young Members (2016) This session strongly aligns with Graduate Women New Zealand’s (GWNZ) national advocacy efforts, particularly in gender equity, indigenous rights, and intergenerational leadership. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges M?ori and Pacific women face, reinforcing GWNZ’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and advocating for systemic change. The emphasis on language restoration and cultural identity aligns with GWNZ’s focus on education and equity, recognising the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions. The reflections on intergenerational trauma and the role of ancestors in shaping leadership mirror GWNZ’s advocacy for inclusive policies that address historical injustices. Additionally, the recognition of behind-the-scenes leadership and the need to create space for marginalised voices resonates with GWNZ’s mission to empower women across all backgrounds to lead and influence change in their communities. Session Summary: Harnessing Aotearoa NZ’s Gen Z Leadership to Confront Gender Equity Barriers Monday, 10 March – Day 1 This powerful session featured young leaders from Pacifica Inc, YWCA, and Te R?p? W?hine M?ori Toko i te Ora (M?ori Women’s Welfare League), sharing their insights on gender equity. Despite Aotearoa New Zealand’s reputation for progress, intersectional challenges persist, particularly for M?ori, Pacific, and ethnic communities. The discussion highlighted resilience, cultural wisdom, and a commitment to social justice. Key Themes & Reflections from the Gen Z Panel: • Ancestral Stories & Language Restoration: The panel spoke of the deep connection to their ancestors, whose stories guide them in reclaiming their language and identity. • Intergenerational Impact & Historical Cycles: Displacement, land separation, and systemic barriers continue to affect Indigenous and Pacific communities. Learning from history helps shape a better future. • Connection to Land & Collective Identity: The land embodies life force and identity. No one stands alone—each person is interwoven into the collective fabric of their people. • Responsibility & Shared Goals: Past struggles remain raw, but there is a duty to acknowledge them while forging shared goals for M?ori and Pacific communities. • Inspiration from Role Models: The panelists highlighted Brianna Fruean, a South Pacific advocate for climate justice. Grandparents also played a crucial role in shaping their cultural identity through storytelling and weaving traditions, strengthening intergenerational connections. • Representation & Language Pride: Many faced language discrimination, both in the Pacific and New Zealand. The key message: wear your culture and language...
Catrionasutherland
Ms.sutherland Graduate Women Scotland Institutional relationships for a just Humanity -side event NAWO EBBF Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Institutional mechanisms SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022) Education of and retention of women within education specifically STEM 4 inputs by different women Girls do code – Sezen Sairal CEO of REEDER recognised that there was a need for e-reader in Turkey and a number of gaps in the market – building on that and with 60% women employees the company now manufacture and supply of numerous electronic devices (next up an e car) Having made her mark in the electronic and business market she realised that there was also a need for support for women artists and created the women artists platform with an empghasis on ethical art) uses STEAM (where A is for Art) Gender Inclusive policy in Institutions until (relatively) recent times women were not considered citizens and therefore not only had no vote but no rights and were not part of the decision making process and civil hierarchy. Institutions must therefore review and ensure that their polices are implementing Gender Equality not just lip service or adding the word woman to existing policy. Rationalising city and state-wide policies to ensure that Survivor Narrative is used to inform progress. Education programmes for women in prison – most is only available to long term inmates, but if 'bite-sized' educated packages are created in areas of benefits / tech and other information then women can break the cycle which sees them in and out of prison causing gaps in employment (or no employment) Creating spaces for women and girls with passion and vision 114% rise in women entrepreneurs 2% get funding from formal sources due to the way financial institutions open bank accounts/ give loans. ensuring Institutions are called to account for their employment and Gender equality policies. we need to collaborate with men in institutions to get the policies changed from...
