Centralites informed, inspired at United Nations 69th Commission on the Status of Women
by Captain Sarah Eddy
A delegation of 12 women and one man from the Central Territory joined others from around the world in March at the United Nations 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.
This year’s focus was the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Delegates attended sessions on gender equality, including the topics of education, government, social change, the impact of technology, environmental factors, health care, and much more affecting women and girls around the world.
While globally great strides have been made for rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls, there is still a long way to go. The CSW meets annually to evaluate the progress the United Nations has made in creating a world where women are seen as equals.
The event was a call to act in solidarity and boldness since women around the world still face gender-based violence, inequality in the workplace, lack of education, and much more. In the face of these continued struggles, each of us is called to take a stand. We are called to spread awareness, be a voice, and make a difference.
On the first full day of CSW, we had the opportunity to attend an event called Power4Girls, which brought to light that 122 million girls around the world either don’t have access to school or are unable to go to school. It also shared that one in five girls is married in childhood.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown said while change is happening, it’s not fast enough, and girls are being left behind. She asserted that when an investment is made in girls, it not only changes them but their communities, countries, and, ultimately, the world.
At the end of a week of informative workshops and sessions, our delegation met to reflect on our time at the CSW. We were challenged to describe it in one word. Among the descriptions were challenging, empowered, educational, hopeful, and motivated. Delegates shared they’d been unaware of many of the statistics shared during the week, especially as it related to gender equity in the workforce and child marriages.
We talked about the importance of men being brought into this fight as allies and that it should start at home in our youth programs and men’s ministry groups. It was evident God was working in our hearts.
Personally, CSW reminded me of the honor of being a Salvation Army officer. As a single woman, it has never been a question for me to have a voice, to preach, to teach, and to speak with those in authority. However, as I spoke with women from around the world, it became clear to me that my experience is the exception.
Worldwide, The Salvation Army is known to minister to the most vulnerable, to stand with those who don’t have a voice, to break social norms, and to be a light in a dark world. Yet, there is still much work to be done.
Will you join us in the fight?
