Day 3: March 15, 2016

Today was another crazy day at CSW60. My morning began in the UN, going to an event on gender perspectives of refugee responses and another on addressing violence against women and girls. I love the UN events because the panels often bring in high level dignitaries from countries all around the world, and it is interesting to compare the knowledge base and proposed solutions of these individuals with those organizing and working at the grassroots level. The first panel on refugees included Reem Abu Hassan, a Minister from Jordan, and it was so fascinating to have her perspective included in the conversation. In the United States, refugee information is mostly framed from the angle of the work European countries are doing to support the refugee influx, but what is often left out is that countries such as Jordan are accepting huge refugee populations and working to provide resources for them as well.

Following these events, I had the fantastic opportunity to represent WomenNC at the US Mission to the United Nations briefing event. This event was an opportunity for the US delegation working towards creating the Agreed Conclusions document to share their work and some of the successes of the United States regarding gender equality policy. It was also an opportunity for civil society to contribute their opinions about the Draft and make suggestions to the US Delegation to consider advocating for. It was an engaging dialogue to witness, as NGO representatives and the Delegation communicated about how best to bolster the document to support the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Some of the other successes mentioned were the recent passing of the first ever Security Council Resolution on sexual exploitation just last week.

Following the event, I got the chance to speak with and take a picture with Ambassador Sarah Mendelson, the US Representative on the Economic and Social Council at the UN!

Carla and I with Ambassador Sarah Mendelson

At the US Mission to the UN Briefing

The evening ended with a lively NGO Reception event, where I got the opportunity to meet and mingle with all kinds of people. It was a relaxing evening to a long, but rewarding, day. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and do it all again!

WomenNC at the NGO Reception