Applications for Our Local to Global Program Now Open!

CSW 67 (2023) cohort posing in front of the “Non-Violence” sculpture outside the UN building in New York. The barrel of the 45-calibre revolver is tied in a knot, so while the gun is cocked, the knot makes it clear that it cannot shoot. Artist Carl Frederk Reutersward made the sculpture in 1980 after his friend, John Lennon, was murdered. Photo credit: Jean Verthein

by Jan Corderman
Coordinator, WILPF US L2G Program

November 2023

You may already know that since 1948 WILPF has held ‘Special Consultative Status’ with the United Nations. Because of this, we are able to participate actively in the annual meetings of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held in and around the UN General Assembly building in New York City.

The UN Women’s strategic plan, 2022–2025 outlines their strategic direction, objectives and approaches to support efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The plan supports the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and contributes to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The work of the Commission began in 1946, days after the UN General Assembly’s inaugural meetings heard former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and part of the country’s delegation, read an open letter addressed to “the women of the world”.

The annual meetings, encompassing dozens of presentations, panels, caucuses, and roundtables address the annual themes providing first-hand experiences and training in international relations from the feminist peace perspectives espoused by WILPF. The agenda WILPF’s coordinators prepare, along with collaboration with fellow WILPF participants and interaction with attending international activists, create an opportunity to learn from women (and men) who have made great gains in issues affecting women around the world.

But there’s still lots to do.

António Guterres, the UN’s General Secretary, noted that women’s rights have been backsliding in recent years. Previously, it was estimated that it would take 254 more years for women to achieve equality.  Guterres raised his concerns regarding the abuse, threats and violation of women around the world as progress won over decades is now vanishing before our eyes. For example, we’ve seen in Afghanistan that women and girls have been removed from public life. In many places, including the United States, women's sexual and reproductive rights are being rolled back – 14 U.S. states now ban abortion in all or most cases. In some countries, girls going to school risk kidnapping and assault, while in others, police prey on vulnerable women they have sworn to protect. The Commission on the Status of Women stands with women and girls everywhere.

Be part of creating the solutions by being part of our delegation of four Local to Global program participants at CSW 68. The 2024 events will address the priority theme:  Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. WILPF US will cover lodging and most of the expenses while you’re in New York, as well as part of your travel expenses.

There is a catch!!  Delegates are asked to share what they learn with other WILPFers and members of their community when they get back home. See next month’s eNews to read about 2023 L2G participant, Eileen Kurkoski, did for her L2G project!

L2G applications are due January 8, 2024.  Find more information and materials on the WILPF US website at Practicum & Local to Global (Our UN Commission on the Status of Women Programs.  If you have questions, please contact Jan Corderman at practicum-mail@wilpfus.org.

"Peace is not something you wish for; it’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.”  John Lennon