A Reflection of an Incredible Fortnight with UN Women UK CSW68: March 2024

It has been an intense, energised and invigorating two weeks with the United Nations events and the closing event of CSW68, UN Women UK. I am still processing my first experience as a UN Women UK CSW68 delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This experience was a privilege, and despite working in the public sector, working with women and children for a very long time, this event was an eye-opener and a journey for me.

During the two weeks, I attended the real-time events (virtually) held in the headquarters of the UN building in New York. I felt part of a truly international event when I attended the UN Opening Session, watching the chair unfolding the two weeks of the Commission's vision and commitment to the inclusiveness and rights of women and girls. I found the speech to be emotional and hopeful, promoting the rights of women and girls in turbulent times and war zones across the globe. He highlighted the power and restrictions of women's freedom and rights, which play in the invisibility of women and play a significant part in women's continued poverty.

The presentations to the UN intensified in highlighting the gender gaps at professional levels, where men lead 8 out of 10 financial institutes. The chair's presentation that it is high time for gender equality to be at the forefront of all women's agendas was highly welcomed.

I attended several side and NGO virtual events, exploring women's education, women in leadership, equal participation and leadership, social protection and beyond crisis—Driving gender equality and empowerment for women and girls through social protection. The topics and expertise at the Commission were overwhelming, but highlighting and exchanging good practices and projects that have visions for the future of all women across the globe is encouraging.

Seeking 50/50 gender parity and equal pay in private and public spheres shows the challenges ahead for women and organisations. The Commission shared incredible unity, inspiration and hope for sustainable developments through increasing women in education, employment and leadership, supporting gender equality in ending women's poverty.

In addition to the United Nations event, I attended the UK delegations' event – virtually, led by Atonte Semra, Tabitha Marton and Martha Bennett, who championed the event along with inspiring and powerful presenters, like Ayan Said, Elaine Banton and Victoria Armstrong. Their facilitation in engaging thousands of women across Britain through the UN Women UK event has enabled participants to exchange, share and learn good practices.?This can and will result in future projects and actions that will make life better for women across the globe. I leave you with the comments by Sima Bahouse, Executive Director of UK Women, when she said, "We can and must choose to end poverty for women and girls."? "And we cannot deny women and girls, in all their diversity, the equality that is their right".

?So, what is my takeaway from the events?

Change is possible when unity is genuinely international and national. Important messages and discussions are still not being held in many countries across the globe. The gender divide is still huge. Intersectionality, its restrictions, and its benefits need to be acknowledged. Talking about gender-based abuse is limited in many countries and communities. Most importantly, there must be continued discussions and the delivery of UN visions equally and globally.

I tried to make the most of my incredible two-week experience of gaining new knowledge. I want to take part in advocating for change for all women and working with the UN/UN Women UK, CSW68, which can benefit women everywhere. I look forward to the visions becoming a reality in empowering and supporting all women.