By Ivana Saula, Research Director and Women and Human Rights Representative
“Diversity is our Strength, Solidarity Is Our Power” Duygu Brauer, DaMigra
The IAM is proud to be a delegate to Canada’s delegation, with two representatives in attendance; Tania Canniff General Chair Person, District Lodge 140 and myself.
Despite the pandemic, the United Nations (UN) Conference on the Status of Women went full steam ahead, with delegates from around the world joining through an online platform. Advocates from around world joined once again to share experiences, knowledge and stories that support this year’s theme: full and effective participation of women in decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls globally.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the driving global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. It’s a forum that unites advocates in the global struggle to build just, equitable and inclusive societies.
The ultimate goal is to establish the agenda known as the, “Beijing Platform for Action” that sets out how to remove systemic barriers holding women back from equal participation in all areas of life, whether in public or private.
Change and transformation begins at the local level, and the IAM is committed to and joined in efforts to build an inclusive and stronger labour movement and society. Our change begins with us, and we will do our part to incorporate goals of the Beijing Platform for Action.
To hear the official song of the Conference on the Status of Women played at the opening session, see this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMX78a5ZJM&t=260s
The conference runs from March 15-26, 2021.
Let’s keep moving forward together, never turning back, despite challenges ahead.
Photo: Neha Dixit, winner of the UN’s International Press Freedom Award.
