The Younger Generation

As a new WILPF member, and participant at the practicum, I awoke excited to start the CSW weeks through the full day of Consultation activities through NGOCSW. The diversity of ages through out the room of women was inspiring to see, and I believe the presence of a few men was an encouraging addition. There was a little discussion about men’s role looking forward, and the awareness that their voices must be included in conversations about women encourages me.

The activities consisted of four speakers and three panel discussions that talked about a variety of topics from sustainable development to the participation and promotion of the younger women into the conversation. As a college-aged woman I can confidently say that there is a strong female voice that circulates through our generation outside of the media’s portrayal. I know many women who want to have their voices heard, are not afraid to speak out for women’s rights of all kinds, and I believe that if there was an easier avenue for them to get involved then there would be a strong presence at these conferences and those in the future. Our practicum population is a strong example of young women who have been given the chance to enter into the week’s conversations, and I hope that programs like these will only expand and multiply in the future.

Along this same theme, a highlight of the day for me was a young woman on the final panel of the day. As a seventeen year old from the New York, Bronx she shared her story of empowerment through education, and the role that schooling can have in the growth of a young female voice. Her eloquent and powerful speech called for the inclusion of the word, “girls” into the weeks’ discussion, and her presence really emphasized the perspective that young women’s can share.

I really look forward to what tomorrow and the rest of the week can bring, and I am excited to continue learning from the talks and participants that will cross my path.
~Elynn Kann