CSW65 Reports
Commission on the Status of Women 65th Session
GWI Reports
Reporting is critical to the legacy of CSW65 and future advocacy work! All GWI representatives to CSW65 are encouraged to submit reports of sessions attended. A thematic summary of reports can be found HERE. This comprehensive summary is available worldwide with Calls to Action for governments, public and private sectors, educational institutions, and other NGOs stemming from CSW65.
Your reports are important! This year we will offer an easy-to-complete report template.
BarbaraMacLellan
Ms.MacLellan CFUW NGO CSW Geneva Consultation Day Women's Rights Activists in International Geneva Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Institutional mechanisms, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Harassment (2016), Young Members (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019) Since this was the introductory session for those attending UNCSW65 it covered a lot of ground and related to many, many issues that women are dealing with at all levels. This event was both celebratory and informative. There was a wide range of speakers, all very well prepared and articulate. Music was well chosen and uplifting or inspiring. There was a lot of information conveyed, too much to capture in a brief report. The session would be impactful to any GWI members in terms of the information it imparted about UNCSW and the related work done by NGOs to both give input to CSW and to support the work that CSW is doing. This can help drive systemic change as well as conditions for women and girls at the local level. Clearly widespread collaboration is already happening and is key. The whole conference is ideal for fostering further...
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Mrs.Middlemass Great Britain Women on Boards – Impactful Leadership Parallel STEM institute Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019) Highlighting the disparity at present but talking about everything from public education to private profit-making enterprises. At national level Alex Blakemore's statistics were very much related to GB Interesting and varied approach, including some very practical down to earth advice about giving each other a helping hand and starting with matters in your own locality that really matter to you. We can encourage members to come forward for board and similar positions, whether for large listed companies or for local school governorships. Push for equal representation in all boards at all levels. It is something where developing countries seem to have the edge on western countries – opportunities to learn, is it because there are fewer established barriers to overcome and they are starting from where they want to...
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Mrs.Middlemass Great Britain The Right to Lead: a conversation on girls' leadership and political participation Parallel GSUSA Women in power and decision-making, The girl child SDG5 – Gender Equality Young Members (2016) Encouraging young women to expand their ambitions and experiences Several impressively confident girls demonstrated their understanding of the rights of Girls to expect equal opportunities and treatment – all from USA, so perhaps not a full cross-section. WAGGGS is a world wide organisation so is available to work with as a feed-in, but in many countries we are probably too far on (our age profile is fairly high in the west) so it may need to be work with an intermediary level too. There would be opportunites to organise or encourage speaking competitions, interest in University level education, interaction with other countries or provide examples of careers...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada Women Human Rights Defenders in Asia: Fighting for Freedom & Democracy – Wed. march 17. 9:00- Human Rights Now, Aware Girls, Women's Peace Network, Aware Girls Women in power and decision-making, Human rights of women SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Harassment (2016) The session had to do with human rights and the need for networks and governments to work together. Human rights defenders are under threat and civil spaces are decreasing. In some places anti-terrorism laws are used to book activists and when activists speak for their rights they are booked for treason and accused of blasphemy. Digital spaces are unsafe for activists. Seniors are in jail for young rights defenders. This is a concerning time fro human rights activists in Pakistan and Hong Kong ands in other areas of Asia. The focus of women's equality and peace has been about enabling young women so they can break agents of change and citizens with equal rights. Reprisals must be denounced at the highest levels. Funding needs to be secured for human rights defenders. Details from Myanmar were particularly troubling. During the last 10 years the citizens did enjoy some rights with some access to the outside world and limited freedom of assembly. It was a system that allowed the military to manipulate. It emboldened the military to carry out the present coup. Now many have been arrested and have no legal rights. The military have been brutal to the women and especially towards ethnic and minority women. The concerns of the women are growing. These widespread crimes against the protesters need to be viewed together with those against all and are crimes against humanity. It is time for the world held the military to account. They must not be allowed to run the country again. In the past the Burmese would not have believed the military could burn the Rohingya villages and rape. Now there is a growing understanding and care for the Rohingya. Tragically many in refugee camps are suffering from trauma and mental health issues. They are tragic victims of crimes against humanity. Another area of growing concern for human rights defenders is social media. The attacks are aimed to stop discussion among younger activists. A strong network of defenders needs to be built. Women are in the front line. They are targeted because they are making a difference. The session was brutal and very real. It was a wakeup call to support these incredibly courageous rights defenders how we can. I am always week on this area and I know it is an important one! I will think in th weeks ahead and watch carefully for any...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada The Role of Women in the Peace & Security Agenda : UNSCR 1325 The Journalists and Writers Foundation, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Global Justice Centre, Global Network of Women Peacebuilders Women in power and decision-making SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019) The session looked at the role of women and the peace agenda. The advocacy focus of our CFUW-Ottawa University Women Helping Afghan Women group is the perilous significance of the current Afghanistan peace negotiations for women in Afghanistan. We have connected with members across the country and linked up with GWI-NL in an NFA2NFA project partnership. With our webinar in April we hope too reach out to NFAs around the world. The situation is dire for the women in Afghanistan who have made such progress in the last 20 years. Women of the world and our governments cannot stand idly by. Women's role in peace negotiations is low. They may be present at local levels but they disappear at teh formal sessions. Women must are protected against abuse in armed conflict. 1325 includes 3 P's – Participation, Protection and Prevention and 2 R's Relief and Recovery. It is civil society that has kept this resolution alive for the last 20 years. Civil society cannot assist member states. Member states must serve and protect their citizens. Women call from local to global. 96 states have developed NAPs. They must be localised in the communities, not just national. In addition to local, civil society needs to focus on young women and create spaces for them. The primary responsibility of the state (RTP) is to protect its people from the 4 crimes of genocide, genetic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Failing that the international community must take timely action in line with the Charter. RTP is a humanitarian tool yet it is also prevention. What steps can be taken to prevent atrocities from being perpetrated? Women are stakeholders for peace. How can they prevent atrocities? Who is vulnerable , why, how will it emerge? Women can be perpetrators too. We need to highlight women's experiences from abuses that have taken place. Different crimes effect different genders differently. RTP & 1325 have a lot of overlap. Prevention can really start at the time of peace. The international community should step in when necessary.There needs to be training on gender sensitivity. What do the survivors need? Gender reflects the social role of victims and those who commit crimes. Responses to atrocities need gender perspective. All atrocity crimes are genderised. ie men and boys are shot, women and girls may be herded into a barn and burned. Gender is sometimes the primary motivating factor for a crime to be committed. Gender based violence is not only sexual violence. Nonetheless a lot of progress in 30 years. Best Examples: The movement in Liberia proved that grass roots women's voices were essential. They were recognised as the drivers of peace. They were occupying the space by the consensus of society. The women were not invited to the peace table but they managed to be heard. Columbia is another example of a successful process but sadly no-one had any answer for Afghanistan. We need to re-shape the table. To date the premium is...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada Virtual Townhall Meeting of Civil Society & UN Sec.-Gen. : March 16, 10:15 – 11:15 UN Women in power and decision-making, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and health, Women and armed conflict, Women and the media SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016) It was an opportunity too hear the Secretary-General and his vision and plan moving forward. The Secretary- General glanced at the last year and what it has meant for women's rights and gender equality. The social and economic impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for women's rights, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised.UNICEF reported recently that 10 million girls are at risk of becoming child brides. Gender based violence has increased enormously and much is at home or online. There is a huge gender gap in the task forces the are meant to be building the recovery. Male- dominated these will come up with male-dominated solutions. Se need to take this opportunity to re-set. The Spotlight initiative too eliminate all forms of violence against women can provide a new model at all levels of government and civil society. Women need to be front and centre. Gender equality is a question of power. We still live in a male dominated world with a male-dominated culture. We need many women leaders – a few are not enough. Women and girls should be central to all future planning. The COVID crisis has created an opportunity. Leaders need to take 5 affirmative actions to build women's representation, participation, and leadership: #1. Recognise women's rights by repealing all discriminatory laws and enacting positive measures. #2. take concrete steps including measures like quotas so women have equal representation everywhere. #3. support women's economic inclusion by encouraging them in the work force with equal jobs and equal pay and protect their jobs with equal access to credit and social protection. $4. Ask all countries to address violence against women and girls by funding and political will. #5. Make space for inter-generational transition. The reset of the session was left to questions and answers but his vision and actions going forward were encouraging. Members need to think in the broader picture and link up with allies to address the incredible challenges that lie ahead for women yet we have a talented and energetic younger generation with whom to work. It is hard to see for the grass routes but networks will be important as will be our own roles to encourage and support girl’s education how we can and where we...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada Why Violence Against Women Parliamentarians Concerns us All: March 16m 9:00 – 11:00 Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians and NGO/NY Women in power and decision-making, Human rights of women, Violence against women, Women and the media SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016) Concern for the harassment of women in the workplace Rosa Galvez, a Canadian Senator spoke of her harassment as a senator and offered that any act that targets a woman and her speech is an attack on democracy. She feels too it is seen as discouraging for younger women who may aspire to such. The second speaker from UN Women noted violence takes place against women in the government by media, by the public and by colleagues. It can be vicious and will be to no point as it is these government officials who are often the innovators and those that are more apt to challenge orthodoxy. The silencing is often done by men and the media often enforces the perception that men make better leaders. Despite the statutes we do not have legislation in place to deal with it. People need to be educated. Why is this so 25 years after Bejing? Violence against women in politics is violence against democracy. The third speaker from South Sudan reiterated that violence against parliamentarians should not be tolerated and can make parliamentarians lose confidence in themselves. We have to fight to show we can do it and we stand together. In Sudan it is not usually physical abuse but verbal. A young lawmaker from Congress in the Philippines talked about teh climate of fear among young leaders but they are very vocal, identifying issues and concerns and the need for change. The last speaker was from Armenia and shed fascinating light on the role of female parliamentarians in the time of conflict and peace. It was a wakeup call and an alarming fact that the organisers were not able to obtain the presence of an American politician This morning’s grouping of participants confirms this is a world wide issue and the possibility for collaboration does...
read moreTerryOudraad
Ms.Oudraad GWI The Pandemic's Effects on Women's March 15 Parallel eventjlivese Mexican Federation of Women Graduates Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016) See above our resolutions Greatly increased violence against women and childeren in the last 10 years. We were shown in a presentation many harrowing statistics. The speakers believed that if women worked full time ( paid work) and children go to school not just between 8 am -12 am which is often the case in Mexico. Awareness, not only in South-America but also in Africa and no doubt also in other parts of the world as parents & children have been forced to stay and work at home and following lessons online. Support the Mexicai NFA & like minded associations, moving forward, update our own resolutions if necessarry. Push for beter education, which also teaches childeren, boys & girls, that violence at home is and should not be the norm. Violence against women & children is not macho, far from...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada High Level Side Event of the Group of Friends For The Elimination of Violence Against Women: March 15, 11:30-13:00 EU Ambassador to the UN, Chair of Group of Friends Violence against women SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Bullying (2016), Child Marriage (2016) Several local and national clubs are concerned about violence against women, and particularly in the light of COVID this has become an international issue Recent reports have shown that all forms of gender-based violence, especially domestic violence have intensified since the outbreak of COVID. Yet resources and efforts have been diverted from gender-based violence response to COVID-19 relief, so urgent at the time. This has meant that in reality many critical and often life-saving services have become more of a challenge. On April 5 the UN Secretary-General appealed to the world to end violence, including inside the home, during the pandemic. One hundred forty-six nations have committed to make the prevention and review of violence against women and girls a key part of their COIVD-19 response. The Group of Friends was formed to promote this concept. So far 46 members have come forward out of 192. They will share lessons to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, support advocacy issues and try to attract additional funding. In his brief comments The Secretary General welcomed the work that was being done but invited more members to join. Many women and girls live in fear and in silence, and during COVID, in a place where they should but do not feel safe. e must keep up the momentum but encourage others to join. We must transmit our ideas to actions. The EU will work broadly with governments, civil society and the private sector. It was fascinating to hear of work being done in Estonia, India, and many parts of Africa including Niger, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.Some areas have mobile units or locations that offer one stop shopping so women might get the various kinds of help they need – medical, police, judicial, food. Root causes and prejudices must also be uncovered. A support network is needed for victims and survivors. Looking to the future the session closed with words by a remarkable youth leader from Guatemala. COVD has exacerbated a problem that has existed forever. Now 1 in 3 women will experience such. Indeed violence against women is a growing issue and indeed a global issue that needs a global response. Our local club works with violence against women in Afghanistan but other clubs across the country work on the issue in broader ways. GWI has the ideal network to link the subject internationally and already NFAs are working in the issue jointly. I have not worked on this topic myself but there is great need for action. Collaborations already exist between groups working on the topic and between levels of care the are helping the women. One of the panelists was the President of Estonia and she shared some remarkable stories from her country that could be inspiring for all who...
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Mrs.Siddons Canada Local Women & Youth Peacebuilders Demand to Participate in Afghan Peace Process Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, Permanent Missions of Norway, UK, Indonesia and Afghanistan to UN, UN Women, Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization, Afghanistan Women's Education Centre, Afghanistan State Ministry for Peace, Georgetown Institute Women, Peace and Security Women in power and decision-making, Human rights of women, Violence against women, Women and armed conflict SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), Child Marriage (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019) Our local CFUW-Ottawa Club has a very active study and external outreach group, University Women Helping Afghan Women that has 3 goals – to learn of issues facing Afghan women and girls, to raise awareness of such locally, nationally and internationally , and to act how we can. Over the years a supported the CFUW National Afghanistan Study Group. This year we identified CFUW members across the country to work with GWI-NL in an GWI NFA2NFA joint project, Afghanistan Peace Negotiations: Their Perilous Significance of Women in Afghanistan. We hope to interest other NFAs going forward. The common link with all groups is to learn, to raise awareness and to act as we can to support the women at this very crucial time for them. A superb series of speakers addressed the specific theme of the need for local women and youth to be involved in the peace process in Afghanistan. Unless women and youth are included the peace will not be sustainable. Instead indeed the Taliban have increased their campaign against women and youth. Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. Afghan women and youth make up the biggest groups in Afghanistan and their voices must be heard. They must be part of the talks. Ambassadors to the UN from Afghanistan, Norway, the UK and Indonesia all echoed this point. Times have changed. Women are speaking up. The peace process must be Afghan led. It is critical that women's rights and their leadership be at the centre in Turkey. At least a quiet of 30% should be women. Indeed we must make sure their rights are not undermined. Their voices must be amplified and they must come from all provinces of Afghanistan. Women bring different perspectives to the peace table and have proven to be able to contribute to lasting peace. Life in much of the country is still patriarchal and many young women are not given an opportunity to make choices. While others are educated and there is no turning back. They want a voice. Both women and youth are seeking the support of the international community. Women and human rights must be at the forefront. Military spending should be reduced and spending on infrastructure increased. Donor funding should be increased. Accurate data needs to be collected. COVID has had a devastating effect. Locals need to participate in then peace process. Tokenism is not sufficient. Locals will need to deal with community healing and accept people back. Women will have to respect the Taliban but the Taliban will need to respect the women. Work must continue but must be accelerated. Knowledge learned can build on what we have...
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