April 9,2016

I noticed that we did not have a group photo of our presenters.

L-R Kelly-Ann Stevenson (NCWC 1st VP) Sarah Gazan & Jackie Walker(Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre) Lore Mirwaldt (Mirwaldt, Gray, Poudrier Law) Margaret MacKinnon (Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre) and Cora Morgan (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs)

There have been many suggestions for us to repeat this presentation - hopefully we will have that opportunity soon.

On April 7 the Canadian Government released the news - that Canada elected to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. 

A seat on the Commission gives Canada a stronger voice in advancing the rights of women and girls. 

Canada has been elected to be part of the governing body that sets priorities for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW). By gaining a seat, Canada will be at the table to shape the Commission’s work to advance the rights of women and girls around the world. 

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, announced at the sixtieth UNCSW that Canada would seek a seat as a key part of its commitment to advance gender equality, both at home and abroad.

Lessons from the Heart Indigenous Women Bringing Our Children Home

Manitoba leads the Western World in the removal of Indigenous children from their families.

Lessons From the Heart Indigenous Women are leading the way by challenging existing systems using Indigenous knowledge, laws, traditions and belief systems to create positive change.

L-R Sarah Gazan from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre,  Inc.,  ICW Recording Secretary Nebiye Isin Atala (Turkey), International Council of Women (ICW) President Jung-sook Kim (Korea), NCWC 1st Vice President Kelly-Ann Stevenson  and Jackie Walker from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre

L-R NCWC Vice President Jeanette Logan , International Council of Women (ICW) President Jung-sook Kim (Korea), NCWC 1st Vice President Kelly-Ann Stevenson and ICW Recording Secretary Nebiye Isin Atala (Turkey). 

Speaker on Asian Women and sexual exploitation and violence

Speaker on Asian Women and sexual exploitation and violence

This woman from Iran exposed 2 myths of sexual violence:

1. It's the woman's fault

2. Don't talk about it

It's time to end these myths. It's never our fault and it's okay to talk about it.

Very powerful speaker on war and sexual violence as a weapon

This man from Bolivia spoke about how men are oppressed by societal gender roles. How men are hurt by those roles. Men need a safe place as well to tell their stories.

Mozambique women and girls on domestic violence. Interesting seminar which introduced climate change having created natural disasters that sled to social disorganization and domestic violence. Aftermath of natural disasters are dangerous for women and children due to men being prioritized to receive help. Safety of women is at risk.

 This man is involved in a men's movement in Mozambique begun in 2009. They work with men and boys to change mentalities and attitudes towards women in order to reduce domestic violence.

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Here are some highlights of some of the parallel events that were attend during the second week.

The morning briefing on March 23 discussed the importance and campaign to elect a Woman UN Secretary-General. This was later followed by a parallel event.

AT LAST an update

Hello

First I must say how sorry I am that I was not able to post more during the CSW – I had limited internet connection at my hotel and then upon my return back to Winnipeg I have been taking care of a family matter that required my full attention.

What an exciting experience to attend the CSW60 – it took me while to understand when where and to what attend. I must say attending the morning briefings and the regional caucuses is a must. Trying to pick which parallel event to attend is not an easy decision.

One of highlights of my short week was the great honour I had be part of the presentation by the Council of Women of Winnipeg / National Council of Women of Canada. Sponosored by Mirwaldt, Gray, Poudrier Law, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre Inc., and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. In attendance at our presentation was our International Council of Women President Jung-sook Kim (Korea) and Recording Sectary Nebiye Isin Atala (Turkey).

I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Dr. Dawn Harvard – Native Women’s Association of Canada and making new friends and connections with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre – Ms Paula Julian (Montana USA) and Te Whare Tiaka Wahine Refuge – Ms Caroline Herewini (New Zealand) and many more.

I cannot wait till next year and I hope to see you there! 

In the next few entries will find some highlights and some photos from some of the presentations that I and others had attended. 

Kelly-Ann Stevenson 

1st VP NCWC