CSW Refugee Panel Highlights Perils for Women
The UNA Brooklyn Chapter was at the Perilous Journey of Women Refugees Worldwide at the UN. This was one of the conferences which were part of the during the 60th Session of the UN's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
What is the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)?
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it was established by Council resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946.
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.
Europe and the US are facing a refugee crisis, where many women need protection. The goal of the conference was to find out what are the main problems for these women, and how organizations can help them. Women are especially vulnerable during the refugee’s crisis. Some of them are suffering right now and don’t have the basic needs, such as water, healthcare or food.
It was really interesting when the The panelists ( Ugochi Daniels, Chief of the Humanitarian and Fragile Context Branch, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Joan Timoney, Senior Director of Advocacy and External Relations, Women’s Refugee Commission, Dorothy Morgos. Ph.D., Head of the Psychosocial Care Unit at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières) spoke about gender based violence prevention, education, and eventual return to work. It was interesting because these are main problems for all women in all over the world. Is not just a priority to resolve their actual problems, is also important to give them the tools in order to build a good lifestyle. That can be done by education and training them to develop an specific work. In my opinion economic independence is one of the main important things for women, they’ll be free if they are able to work and be independent. The conference was fascinating and made me to understand the women refugee’s problems and also made me feel more in touch with the UNA and the UN.
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