Sr. Denise participates in panel discussion on violence against women
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Participating in the CSW at the United Nations (UN) in New York, proved to be a wonderful experience of learning and solidarity. Hundreds of women from all over the world were there to share, learn, encourage, lobby and advocate for the rights of women and children. The theme of the 56th CSW, organised by the UN, was 'Rural Women' from the perspective of empowerment, development, poverty and main streaming of gender issues. Running parallel to the formal meetings in the assembly halls, were numerous 'side events' organised by different UN groups, NGOs and lobby groups. Important issues like women in politics, the consequences of the undernourishment of babies during the first 1000 days of life, and the issue of 'demand' which facilitates the trafficking of humans, were addressed during the Commission.
There was tremendous energy and great conversation in the crowded halls, the side events and coffee shops. At the interactive side event 'Story to Skills: Advocating with Women in Rural Areas' organised by the 'Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations,' I was privileged to be one of the panellists with women from rural USA, Palestine and India. Listening to the diverse stories of survival in the midst of great hardship and suffering touched deep into our psyche, demonstrating that what we share in common is so much more than what divides us! This year International Women's Day on 8 March held special significance as together we prayed: Let us be women of courage who turn adversity into triumph, so our children will live in peace.....
Denise Boyle fmdm
Executive Director