You would think after a week of attending sessions, we would want a break - like enough already. But no, the appeal of going to The New School, a University in Greenwich Village, was pretty strong, especially when we thought Michelle Bachelet might be speaking.
It was like being in Hollywood at the Oscars - when all the stars come out. During the day, there were all the stars of the women's movement - from all parts of the Globe. We were truly fortunate to be there, and to hear these exceptional women speak. What was good was the open space, the day long meeting time, so we had a chance to really explore some of the very important issues. I'll try and write this up in two sections because it is quite long.
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| Michelle Bachelet |
The day was sponsored by the Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP) This is an organization that is made up of Muslim majority societies. The primary objective is to increase the number of women taking on leadership and decision-making roles at family, community and national levels, and to improve the effectiveness of feminist movements in Muslim-majority societies and globally.
This was a wonderful day of learning, sharing and working together. Registration started at 9:30, and after a welcome by Arein Mack, Editor Social Research, The New School, we had the keynote speaker introduced by Mahnaz, Afkhami, from the Women’s Learning Parnerships.
Introduction of Michelle Bachelet – by Mahnaz Afkhani
Michelle Bachelet started by saying how the women’s movement has popularized the statgement women’s rights are human rights,and human rights are women's rights - and came up with visionary statements – SC 1325, and so many other commitments. Stories out of Egypt and Tusnisia, The foresight of women – space, and savour the moment, and think of challenges – up hill – our work has just begun. Our next step, strategic plan for June, some of UN Women colleagues will be here for the day – country based consultations – define what UN Women will be doing. Initial plan was presented in January – based on some consultation – vision and action plan now in 5 areas – women will never have equal rights if women not empowered. How women are dealing with violence, women at peace table, constitution, political empowerment, women’s leadership and participation in different sectors. 96 girls for every 100 boys in schools. But political % of all parliamentarians in the world. – 192 countries. Ending violence against girls – will be working to enforcing women in peace and security – conflict resolution, protection from sexual violence, who are sitting at peace tables – people who have the guns, not the women. Need to empower them. 3 components – women with negotiation capacities. We don’t have women mediators – we do but not used. Have to have someone who is respected – women who are strong, leaders. Working with men who will come to table. Working with women’s organizations who can have stronger voice.
Economic empowerment as important as political empowerment.
Making gender equality central to country’s policies and budgeting. Data disagragated by gender. Statistics.
What are the essential – where UN Women lead – don’t intend to lead in all areas. So much work to do. Support maternal health, environmental challenges, women migrants, HI/AIDS, Have other UN agencies to do this work, UN Women will support.
Initial 5 priorities – have support by UN Women's board. Essential how UN Women will work. Strenghthen networks, Met with many groups. Open up more space. Don’t compete with us for funding. Ensure transparency at country level, all levels. How to reach women who are most vulnerable – don’t belong to any organizations. Commitment – Maintain an open dialogue.
Need more thinking – important link with civil society. What channels can we create. Subregional offices – should organize NGOs to form an advisory group. Challenges for partnerships – levels UN organizations. Effectiveness of gender mainstreaming strategies. National machineries get less budget – need to involve everyone. Advocating gender responsive budgeting. Is this getting where we want to do?? Enabling us, all of us, respond to challenges and protect women’s rights. Dialogue must continue. Mutual respect between women’s groups and UN Women.
Response, how do NGOs empower UN Women – grass roots don’t know about UN Women – mobilization at grass roots; ideas from grass roots up, Resources – raising money on a massive basis, products produced in coops saving some for UN Women. Raising money thru private sector, companies who sell primarily to women.
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