International Women’s Day

From: http://internationalpresentationassociation.org/2012/03/csw-56-commission-on-the-status-of-women-ipa-report-7-march-2012/

1) Empower Rural Women, End Hunger and Poverty

This panel commenced with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s opening remarks in which he was consistent with referring to women as well as girls. International Women’s day is devoted to rural women and girls; however their struggles mirror the struggles of women and girls worldwide. Nowhere and at no time can we allow women to be treated as second glass citizens, the Secretary General stressed.

Ms. Kamara, the chairperson of CSW 56, spoke about the impact and important status of rural women in achieving MDG 1 by 2015 but it requires financing to prioritize rural women.

Ms. Anne Itto, a representative from Southern Sudan talked about removing hurdles. She told the attendees how in Southern Sudan the population were taught about voting and elections so that when the time came the people could elect and choose their own leaders and destiny even though there were high illiteracy levels. There are no women daft enough that they cannot contribute to their own decision making; the problem is sometimes it is difficult to reach these women.

2) Change Makers and Peacekeepers Journey towards equal representation of women
The panelists discussed the possibilities as to why there are few women in the Peace-keeper profession. The speakers included an Admiral from the US navy, a military adviser for UN peacekeeping and a director from the department of political affairs, United Nations. The difficulties for women are not just in breaking the glass ceiling but to break the door in the first place. One cause that was pin pointed was that the UN and other agencies seek experienced people for peace negotiation, mediation and law enforcement roles; however all were in agreement this excuse is used too often.

The mood of the panel today at the UN in honor of International Women’s Day was joyous and determined, but not at all triumphant. Ban Ki Moon opened the session speaking about the many men in so numerous regions of the planet who “squirm” when he speaks about the discrimination of women and the call to empower them for administrative positions.

I was especially intrigued by the young Quichua woman from the highlands of Ecuador, Miriam Masaquiza, a university graduate, who spoke about the value placed on education by her grandmother and her mother. Miriam kept in mind the many indigenous women who could not share her opportunities. She said that indigenous people are usually seen as authenticating their relationship to the land. Part of her ancestral identity is reciprocity and traditional knowledge. But indigenous women also need to join with their sisters all over the world in breaking with the subjugation of women in a patriarchal society where machismo is rampant. Gender is universal and cultures are dynamic. Indigenous women are not isolated from the universe. They also want to be educated, to study other codes and ways of communicating. They are required to enter into the formal world where grants and scholarships for education are possible. They also aspire to travel to other countries, dialogue with other women, build partnerships, go beyond their cultural borders, access managerial and decision making possibilities. They do not want to stop being indigenous, but must be informed in order to overcome racism and discrimination, as well as to contribute to a more fair and equitable world with peace and dignity for all.
Maura McCarthy pbvm