Standing Together
My first experience at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) has been deeply insightful and inspiring. The highlight of my day was attending the Townhall meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, where conversations about women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment took center stage. It was powerful to witness women from diverse backgrounds passionately advocating for solidarity and action, urging each other not to remain silent but to “keep on shouting until they hear us.”
A particularly memorable moment occurred when one attendee boldly questioned the Secretary-General about gender equality at the highest levels, asking, “When are we going to see a woman Secretary-General?” The enthusiastic applause and laughter from the audience reflected a shared sentiment that resonated strongly with everyone present, including the Secretary-General himself, who humorously replied that such a decision “depends on your votes.”
Later in the day, I attended a deeply moving session at the Church Center focused on food, nutrition, and gender-responsive policies. The discussion featured insightful presentations from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and delegates from Cameroon, who highlighted how gender-responsive policies are crucial in addressing malnutrition. The representatives from Cameroon shared practical examples of how they have integrated gender-responsive laws and policies into their nutrition programs, ensuring women are at the forefront of these initiatives.
Particularly impactful was the testimony of a woman from Afghanistan, who highlighted the dire situation in her country where women are denied the right to work, severely impacting their ability to provide for their families and exacerbating malnutrition. Her powerful statement, “No women must work but a woman’s place is in the kitchen, it’s in the house,” deeply touched me and underscored the urgency of our fight for women’s rights everywhere. She also emphasized the harsh realities of young girls being denied education, further compounding the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Participating in CSW69 reinforced my commitment to standing up and speaking out for gender equality and empowerment. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to meaningful change alongside my sisters worldwide.
