Soroptimist International of Europe was strongly represented at this year’s Commission on the Status of Women – which is the principal global intergovernmental body exlusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
No less than 25 members from SIE were present at this CSW focused on the empowerment of rural women and girls. 18 Soroptimists from all over the Federation formed the core SIE delegation, while 7 others attended the event as representatives of their government or other NGOs.
Once again, Soroptimists demonstrated their commitment to the rights of women and girls. Our members attended mission meetings and parallel events, and networked actively with their governments and other civil society representatives.
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In total, Soroptimist delegates attended 191 events. Half of these events were parallel events organized by NGOs. Through these, Soroptimists learned about the challenges that women and girls face around the world and the solutions that can be put forward.
They networked and brought visibility to our organization – by proudly wearing their eye-catching Soroptimist blue scarves, and by ensuring a strong presence on social media.
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When the busy day was over, it was time for some Soroptimist friendship. A SI Reception, as well as a SIE Reception was organized for delegates to enjoy well-deserved drinks, good company and tips to advocate for women and girls.
The CSW was also the occasion to meet up with members from other SIE countries, and from Soroptimist International and the other Federations. SI Americas, SI Great Britain & Ireland and SI Southern Pacific delegates were also present. Soroptimists mingled and networked during the daily morning SI Briefings, which were a great opportunity to meet and know each other.
SIE also participated in Soroptimist International‘s parallel event „Solutions to the Multi Layered Issues Faced by Rural Women“. Our very own Advocacy Vice-President, Elizabeth Otieno Nyadwe, presented SIE‘s contribution to the empowerment of rural women and girls in an engaging presentation. To read her presentation, please click HERE. The full report on this popular event is on Soroptimist International‘s website.
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We thank all the Soroptimists who made it to New York for this intense CSW! The Final Agreed Conclusions of the CSW can be downloaded HERE.
Two delegates have shared their thoughts on events they have attended:
- Bettina Hahne, SIE Representative to the Council of Europe “Women in politics – Let’s break the glass ceiling!
- Dolphine Anyango, Programme Director of the Union of Kenya “Harnessing the Sustainable Development Goals to secure women’s rights to land”.