CSW 2010:World YWCA delegation celebrates women’s leadership
Snowstorms may have brought New York City to a halt but it has not dampened the spirits and excitement of the World YWCA delegation currently in town for the 54th United Nations Committee of Status of Women.
Following an orientation day to prepare delegates for the two week meeting, the YWCA USA and World YWCA hosted a welcome reception for participants allowing everybody the opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership.
The highlight of the evening was a tribute to long-time serving World YWCA representative to the UN and YWCA USA member Mildred Persinger. World YWCA President Susan Brennan read a message from former World YWCA General Secretary Elizabeth Palmer that summed up the amazing contribution Mildred has made to the YWCA movement. “ I think of what a normal day has been for you, starting very early in Dobbs Ferry, catching a train to New York City, finding your way to Grand Central Station to the UN, and at the end of the day retracting your steps to Dobbs Ferry. Often the evening was spent putting together the materials that must be shared with Geneva. I know it often meant the burning of the midnight oil. There are no words to express our gratitude and appreciation for the respect you have brought to the YWCA, “ reflected Elizabeth Palmer.
A warm welcome to all was extended by YWCA USA President Deborah Stock and YWCA USA CEO Dr Lorraine Cole. Dr Cole shared with guests the exciting news that the YWCA USA is one of four organisational co-chairs of a national task force putting together machinery and a national strategic plan to have the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ratified. The USA is one of seven countries that have still not signed the treaty regarded as the international human rights framework for women. “It won’t be easy and it’s a tough road ahead but we will put in every effort to get CEDAW ratified this year.”
CSW 2010 officially starts on Monday March 1; however the weekend is busy with a number of orientations taking place for CSW delegates including an NGO orientation and an Ecumenical Women’s orientation. The World YWCA delegation will call on the Commission on Status of Women to consider new approaches-built from the accomplishments and challenges of the past 15 years-to accelerate transformative actions for women's empowerment and gender equality.
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