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This year demonstrated we still have much to do to build a better and more equal world. CSW65 highlighted the continuum lack of political will, quite disappointing Agreed Conclusions which lacked in strength, followed by pushbacks by governments and the heartbreaking news of the withdrawal from the CoE Istanbul Convention (celebrating 10 years this year) by Turkey. The presidential executive order issued 20th March in Turkey has resulted in further possible annulment of the Istanbul Convention in Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary and other countries, thus threaten survivors of male violence against women.

 

Despite these disappointing outcomes, and the fact we could not meet together in NYC bringing a revived energy to the city and each other, there was a record of 700 events, 25.000 participants joined NGO CSW65 from 15th to 26th March 2021 in an adapted “new normal” online space. The NGO CSW65 virtual space was, in general well designed. It allowed vibrant and active interaction, Q&A, chats, answering polling questions and alike resources.

 

I particularly concentrated on side events and parallel events on the topic of male violence against women and girls as well as those about women’s political participation, representation in public life and of course couldn’t miss the SI Parallel event “The Road to Equality: Preparing Women and Girls to Lead, where SIE was represented by VP Saija Kuusisto-Lancaster.

 

Soroptimists could register for free to the multiple side events, parallel events and other UN official sessions, being able to watch public well-known personalities, witness to the international forum’s, zapping into presentations by equality experts, governments representatives, delegates and cooperative or NGO presenters, follow up on spaces as the caucus.

Author

Rita Nogueira Ramos,

SIE 1st Vice President 2019-2021