Commission on the Status of Women

Saturday, March 26, 2016

NCWC VP Environment Jeannette Logan at CSW NGO 60 in New York
March 24, 2016

As NCWC's representative on the North American/European Caucus, I was invited to a Core group meeting to “observe” their deliberations. This small group leads the organization of the 3 open Caucus meetings to discuss and promote our input to the negotiations.

By Mar 24, we hope to have the final text of the Agreed Conclusions which represent the work accomplished here at CSW 60.

Concerns raised: word “abolutionist” in Europe today refers to abolution of prostitution.
The wording “sexual and reproductive rights” appear unacceptable to certain European
countries.

Early, forced and child marriage clauses are controversial. Also definition of the 'family'.
Where NGO attendees have access to members of their countries' delegation they are
encouraged to lobby for inclusive, feminist friendly, unambiguous language.

Also we need to refer to the Treaties or other legal entities which already protect us by laws, not general words such as 'justice' and 'development.

Much to talk about to increase our understanding of the issues facing women in all parts of the world.

-- Jeannette Logan

Thursday, March 24, 2016

2nd Posting by Jeannette Logan

NCWC VP Environment Jeannette Logan at CSW NGO 60 in New York
March 24, 2016

As NCWC's representative on the North American/European Caucus, I was invited to a Core group meeting to “observe” their deliberations. This small group leads the organization of the 3 open Caucus meetings to discuss and promote our input to the negotiations.

By Mar 24, we hope to have the final text of the Agreed Conclusions which represent the work accomplished here at CSW 60.

Concerns raised: word “abolutionist” in Europe today refers to abolution of prostitution.
The wording “sexual and reproductive rights” appear unacceptable to certain European
countries.

Early, forced and child marriage clauses are controversial. Also definition of the 'family'.
Where NGO attendees have access to members of their countries' delegation they are
encouraged to lobby for inclusive, feminist friendly, unambiguous language.

Also we need to refer to the Treaties or other legal entities which already protect us by laws, not general words such as 'justice' and 'development.

Much to talk about to increase our understanding of the issues facing women in all parts of the world.

-- Jeannette Logan

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Report on Week 1, by Jeannette Logan

Hello everyone from Jeannette Logan in New York – very intense, stimulating week, meeting amazing women!

Consultation day highlights

UN Under-Secretary and Exec Director of UNWomen, Phumzile Mlabo-Ngcuka introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals where 13 have direct effect on Women.

She emphasized SDG 17 on economics – critical to revisit fiscal plans and budgets. (Here's hoping for Canada's Mar 22 budget!)

Other points: new Youth CSW Conference on Mar 12-3; Ministerial talks on Gender Equality and Civil Rights; alliances of civil society (us) and private sector; Peace and Security; lower military budgets; Leave No One Behind program; and data to demonstrate the impact of investing in women.

Women of Distinction Awardee Bandana Rana spoke of her journey to activist in Nepal since 1991. In 2009 the 1st World Conference for Women's Shelters was convened in Canada! She wants to see women working together to strengthen UNWomen.

Lakshmi Puri, UN Assistant -Secretary and Deputy Exec Dir, UNWomen calls this a moment of unprecedented opportunity so let's capitalize! Time to integrate gender equality, innovate, invest in women for impact that is irreversible!

Because I am VP, Environment I chose Water and Climate Change discussion group.

Human Right to Safe Water, and to Sanitation were agreed in Dec /15. Canada has not yet ratified.

Mar 14

Issues in Gender and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

The SDG goals refer to “unique needs of girls and women”. For the fist time we were discussing MENSTRUATION and how this normal function is keeping girls away from school where private toilets, wash basins and disposal is unavailable. The subject of safe waste disposal from human defecation is largely unaddressed, ie. safe for human collectors and the environment. We need “human dignity for all”.

Nov 19 is World Toilet Day!

YOUNG WOMEN IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY took centre stage that evening, sponsored by UKAid and Plan International UK.

UK Minister for International Development spoke:

A recent McKinsey report on gender parity concluded: If every country was as good as the best country in the region, GDP would rise by 11%; if we had global gender parity, GDP up 24%! The panel included:

Fiza Farhan of Pakistan, 1st women CEO, economist, entrepreneur etc. When you face a problem, is it a “stepping stone” or a “speed bump”?

Yamikani of Malawi started a youth advocacy group which changed the marriage law to 18 yr!

Youth need mentors and helpers. We the elders need to step up.

Dr. Ligiero – Labour force participation has risen only 2% in last 20yrs! “Women's participation is not only a right, but the SMART thing to do.” Need to measure 'unpaid work”.

Youth delegates from Kenya and UK with WAGGGS – World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Youth needs financial literacy, and mentoring in Maths and Sciences.

Photos with ICW colleagues

by Jeannette Logan VP Environment

First Day of the Second Week

First day of the second week – Monday, March 21, 2016. Here are some highlights of some the parallel events attended by the NCWC delegation.

Empowering Women and Men to Prevent Violence and Promote Health together: New Developments in Gender Synchronized Approaches.

• Very interesting front-line approach to changing gender attitudes on roles in society. Results have been promising.

Women and Girls, HIV and Violence Preventing Infection
• Women from Argentina and Central America spoke how there is a need to continue to decrease the violence against women, girls and transgendered women. A review of how HIV education strategies.

Mental Health changes and the Menopause Transition
• The impact of depression on the role functioning and quality of life is comparable to that of serious chronic conditions. Depression is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.

No Limits for Girls
• This group uses the tools of re-evaluation counselling to support girls and women harmed by sexism and male domination. They work on changing public policy and attitudes on sexism

Pakistani woman talking about oppression of women by war

• Very powerful speaker on war and sexual violence as a weapon
• 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.

• A 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.

• He spoke about societal roles and how it creates isolation for men and creates fertile ground for sexual violence.
• Pornography is a factor in sexual violence. He feels it must be wiped out. Having a daughter 4 years ago made him realize the prevalence of sexual violence in society

Storytelling and Conversation Circles : transformation and Engagement in Human Rights work-

• Engaging presentation about the role of women leaders in creating transformative change. Each woman on the panel shared their story about what drove them to become strong advocates for marginalized women and girls throughout the world.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Attended Morning Briefing – with UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Review and discussion of the sustainable development goals (SDG)

Friday, March 18, 2016

1st week wrapping up gearing up for 2nd week.

As the first week of CSW60 comes to an end and some NCWC delegates ( Alberta Johnson, Alexandra Shkandrij, Eden Friesen) leave - and we look forward to their reports and hopefully some pictures from their past week. A new group of NCWC delegates will be arriving and presenting during the second week.

NCWC Vice President Jeannette Logan has been there for the most exciting first week. During the first week our Prime Minister - Honourable Justin Trudeau and Ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould, Patty Hajdu, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Carolyn Bennett were in attendance. Jeannette shared that she attended ICW (International Council of Women) event and met many other very interesting delegates from around the world. She also attended the a Panel discussion on Indigenous women and girls that was lead by a Canadian speaker.

As I receive information from the delegates I will update and share on this blog.

Kelly-Ann Stevenson
President Council of Women of Winnipeg
1st Vice President National Council of Women of Canada.