Strengthening Advocacy through Networks and Systems

When first hearing about this opportunity to join WILPF at the CSW58, I was ecstatic for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of advocacy from the local, state and national levels to an international context. Currently a master’s student in public health, my previous and current work has focused on civic engagement, higher education, and public health advocacy, and because of this, I am very interested in understanding how systems function and how different sectors engage with one another to move an agenda forward. Through our events and discussions this week, I have learned new advocacy strategies, as well as how both local agents and the great body of the multilateral United Nations interact and provide strength to the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality.

This system is not perfect. We have discussed the shortcomings of entities such as the United Nations or the US Mission: specific communities or issues often left out of the priorities and discussions, lack of expertise or sincerity when addressing the issues, and lack of progress in reaching set goals. We have however seen through our readings and presentations that progress has been made, and there is value to these overarching international policies, laws and conventions. Just as WILPF provides a framework through which women peace builders may connect, engage and find supportive allies; so too can nations and civil society through the United Nations. The opportunity we have been given is to discover how we as advocates may use this system as a tool to the advantage of our efforts.
Through these networks and systems, we are able to provide influence. We are able to work with our communities, listen to and experience struggles and successes, and then share these as part of an arduous, political, and messy dialogue that sets the next agenda. These are strategic interactions, and it is a process that takes, not just one, but many years; but so it is, social change, international development, health equity or progress, however you choose to call it, takes time. Isn’t it exciting?!

It is exciting because we as women are part of the process, and more women are joining each day. We women have a unique set of skills and tendencies; just how Madeleine Rees was described to be last night, we can act with authority and balance that with compassion. We are part of a network of women (and men!) who are also doing this work of advocacy. We push forward through meetings, organizing and action steps and re-energize through conferences, dialogue and reflection. Bosnian women are becoming leaders by sharing their experiences and strategies with fellow Syrian women, and the women of WILPF Colombia gain energy and support from working with WILPF international. Furthermore, through advocacy, women’s rights are protected and advanced as language is changed and inserted into international treaties and development goals.

Thank you for this week and for being a part of the process, the network and system with me!

- Christina Sudduth, WILPF Delegate CSW58