It was such a privilege to participate in the United Nations Commission for the Status of Women (March 8-22), facilitated by UN Women. The event focused on violence against women, the UN Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing Declaration) and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG2030). It was an honour to connect with world leaders, government officials, and NGO representatives and heartening to be affirmed that Wanawake Kwa Wanawake Kenya (WFWIA/WkW) is on the right path to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and training.
Although I had previously been to the UN, I was blown away with the scale, levels of security, people in powerful and influential positions, politicians government officials, leaders of civil society and NGOs, and felt very small on the world stage in comparison. Over six thousand people attended with up to another six thousand delegates who joined online. There were several sessions running simultaneously, so Leonida and I often attended different events to then share the knowledge at the end of the day. We attended approximately 5 sessions each day from 8am-6pm and we quickly learnt to race from one session to the next as they were often overcrowded so it was first in first served.
There was an air of something really special happening as we celebrated the 30th year since the transition in the trajectory of women’s rights in Beijing where the 189 governments unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It became the most comprehensive and visionary agenda ever for gender equality and the human rights of all women and girls, holding the key to more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies for everyone.
Although thousands descended on a cold NYC and there was a strong and prevalent sense of duty and sisterhood, there was also a pervasive underlying fear that some of the wonderful work for gender equality was going backwards under the current political climate. Countries all around the world were represented however there was an obvious lack of presence from the USA.
We were in awe of the heroines that stood before us to work tirelessly to enact the goals of the Beijing Declaration and the SDG2030 and the deep support to accelerate the agenda by the Secretary General of the UN – who was VERY impressive. There was a feeling of deep sadness of the complexity of conflict and suffering in the world, the violence against women. But with a mixture of great hope, the promise of a better future through education and the energy of the youth together with the wisdom of the current women in leadership.
It was a steep learning curve, but it affirmed WFWIA and WKW are on the right track with local led implementation to elevate women and children out of poverty and are in sync and aligned with the UN SDGs and push them forward. Education skills training and safe houses are bridging the gap to employment are addressing the issue of justice.
We can now appreciate that our programs, particularly our ICT, Girls who Code and Basic IT training and the suite of women’s programs, are all answers to bridging the economic and digital divide. This is how we invest which as we know creates intergenerational benefits. It unlocks potential for the entire community.
Research shows that investment in girls gives a tenfold impact, we need to engage our boys and men as allies. There was much discussion on trafficking, modern slavery, female genital mutilation and child marriage which ALL happen in Kenya, particularly to vulnerable women and girls living in poverty. Keeping them in school mitigates these risks.
There is still gender bias all over the world (perhaps with the exception of Iceland) and we can play an active role in accelerating the global movement to address the inequalities. WFWIA/WkW is committed to playing an active role in the wider sisterhood to push the agenda of Gender Equality and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
There are many challenges ahead that relate to our NGO’s growth and funding, but our path is most definitely set in the right direction. We need to apply to the BIG organisations, such as UNICEF, Plan, CARE, Oxfam, Save the Children etc for partnerships as they have the scale to apply and receive substantial funding. We also learnt that we should not refer to our organisation as a charity rather as human rights activists. We need to modify our language on the website and in applications to reflect modern thinking and the UN agenda.
We made many connections which I will follow up with over the next month. I wish we had WFWIA/WkW business cards to distribute or a QR code on our phones with our identity and details to share with others, a learning for next time. It was a massive learning curve, an honour and a privilege. We both feel inspired to step further into action. Our plan now is to join ECOSOC and NGO CSW in order to connect with other NGO’s and elevate both our awareness of the issues and our profile.
Our time at the UN was transformative and I am so very grateful to Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM – Loreto Sisters) for generously extending the invitation. I am particularly grateful for the constant care and support offered by Sr Janet Palafox as she worked to ensure our experience was maximised.
My experience the learning that took place at the UN, resonated with me on a very deep level. There were many “pinch me” moments and new awakenings. There was a wonderful positive sense of connection to something bigger. The agenda aligns with my own core values and the opportunity to profile WFWIA/WkW on the world stage was such an incredible gift which is deeply appreciated. It is our hope that our NGO can continue to be represented and play an important role at CSW70 in sharing our initiatives and programs and continue in the quest for the united drive to reach the SDG’s.
Author: Mary Campbell, Chairperson WFWIA/WkW Board, IBVM/CJ CSW69 Delegate
