Chapter Spotlight: UNA Houston Chapter
When it comes to women’s empowerment, it’s important that everyone is involved in supporting and advancing the rights of girls and women. The UNA Houston Chapter found a way to embrace all gender equality advocates in an intergenerational event titled “I am Generation Equality, Realizing Women’s Rights.”
With a focus not only on equality but also on equity between genders provided a unique platform to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they impact women’s rights. Every detail was carefully considered: catering was supplied by a women-run business and an all-women delegation of Houston City Council Members presented the City of Houston’s Proclamation commemorating International Woman’s Day. UNA Houston Chapter President Dan Stoecker emphasized that his vision for the event was to highlight the women who are constant leaders in Texas.
UNA-USA National Council Chair Hon. Teta Banks, a former UNA Houston Chapter president, shared what this event meant to her.
“The whole purpose of UNA is to support the work of the UN wherever. At this time with the pandemic, the USA and all nations need the UN, and the UN needs the UNA. In this 75th year of the UN, we are working to ensure its future. We are reaching out to new members to join us and help move our cities forward towards a better world. That’s our mission. In all of the activities that we do, including as we recognize great leaders, we must move towards our goal.”
Hon. Teta Banks emphasized how important the intersectionality of the event was, making sure that all women–of all religious, socioeconomic, racial, and sexual backgrounds–felt welcome to participate. “When we talk about International Women’s Day, it’s concurrent with what we say for women and girls, and women in certain positions,” she said. “Our movement is toward equality, equity, and increased opportunity.”
The UNA Houston Chapter shows all of us how providing a platform for women’s rights is so crucial, and how encouraging a positive atmosphere can increase inclusivity in any community. It shows how vast the work of the UN is, encompassing SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality. We can create change as members of UNA-USA and we encourage you to share your acts of change with us on Instagram (@una.usa). Tag us and show us what you do to make the world a better, safer, and more equal place for women everywhere.
