Enriching Experiences at CSW63

I was elated to have been selected among so many other phenomenal women, as well as men, from around the world to take part in the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women. I had the privilege to attend nine sessions on March 18th and 19th.

It was undoubtedly an action-packed two-days of information and knowledge-sharing, as well as insights gathered that inspired me to connect with more than 50 leaders with similar interests in educating, equipping and empowering women and girls locally and internationally.

Here are some of the sessions that I attended:

  • UN Women: Towards Gender Responsive Climate Action
  • Austria, Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and Global Network of Women Peace Builders: Women’s Economic Recovery—Interaction of Women’s Economic Empowerment & Peace Building
  • South Africa: Women & Girls Safety in Cities—Best Practices and Strategies for the Future
  • UN Women: The Road Ahead – Making Gender Parity A Reality
  • Mali & US-Mali Charitable Association: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Around the World
  • Zimbabwe: Supporting Social Protection, The Provision of Public Services and Sustainable Infrastructure in Marginalized Communities—The Case of Angel Hope Foundation
  • Malawi: Ending Violence Against Women (EVAWG)
  • Ireland and the Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence (ICGBV)
  • Empowering in Emergencies—A Conversation with Front Line Responders to Gender Based Violence
  • The United Republic of Tanzania and Lands: Realizing Women Land Rights—Implementing and Enforcing Practices to Enhance Social Protection for Women and Girls.

Due to the selection of rich thought leadership for the various panels, as well as participant interaction, I was mentally stimulated by every session. Yet, one of my favorite sessions was “Implementing and Enforcing Land Rights for Women and Girls.” I found this to be most interesting because of the depth of experience represented by the panelists. Locally, I advocate ownership of land and real estate. Unfortunately, there are still far too many countries that refuse women the legal rights to own property. Even though there are no laws on the books in the United States that prevent women from owning property, there are social injustices like “redlining” that persist by precluding blacks from achieving property ownership through denial of access to capital and predatory contracts. I was so eager to reconnect with the leaders that I met to further build upon our brief connection made in New York. Collectively and collaboratively we can further build upon solutions to address the myriad of issues of violence, gender parity, land rights and peace building to advance self-empowerment for women and girls locally and globally. I am excited about the possibilities and believe that we are on the precipice of greater transformation.