by Tricia R Saur, AIWC Cologne
This was my first time attending CSW in person – it was, as I was warned, overwhelming – in a very good way! As a newbie, being surrounded by FAWCO sisters throughout the three days I attended was wonderful. Alex and Karen gave helpful guidance in the weeks leading up to CSW69 and continued to keep us informed about relevant happenings via the WhatsApp group, which was such a valuable tool for all of us so we could connect, share information, and save seats for each other.
A personal high note was reconnecting with Amanda Lane from Collateral Repair Project, our 2017–2019 Target Project. After a quick catch-up over breakfast, she joined me at the FAWCO-sponsored parallel event Deepfakes & Digital Harm. (Picture on right: FAWCO Counselor Sallie Chaballier, Amanda Lane and Tricia) This was an eye-opening education on the perverse harm that is inflicted on women using modern technologies. Moderator Jessica Buchleitner, FAUSA, led a powerful and thoughtful discussion with survivors of this abuse, giving insight into the effects on individuals and the complications of seeking a remedy. This was my first session at CSW69, a hard-hitting subject, which I heard echoes of in other sessions, illustrating how relevant the topic is.
Next, I was off to get my UN badge! I appreciated having Karen’s company for this; as a native New Yorker, she knew exactly where we needed to go and how best to get there. Over the three days I spent at CSW, I sat in on various panel sessions ranging in topics. Here is a small sample…
- Every Woman Treaty, a new option to CEDAW
- CSW NGO Briefings
- Reviewing Progress in the US on Gender Equity – hosted by US Women’s Caucus and FAWCO’s own Pam Perraud, AAWE Paris, FAUSA
- Redefining Inclusivity: Transgender Rights in Workplaces and Public Spaces
I also took time to explore the views (pictured is the view from the Riverview Cafeteria) and the amazing artwork mosaic of Norman Rockwell’s famous painting Golden Rule.
My Takeaways…
I was humbled by how much work is being done on behalf of women worldwide – how many people have dedicated their lives to the betterment of women’s and girls’ lives. It was uplifting to be in the presence of so many advocates, and I left feeling very hopeful.
Much of the focus at CSW69 was an examination of the progress made over the past 30 years since Beijing. The main takeaway here is that there has been a lot of progress. However, we find ourselves in a moment of tremendous pushback where hard-won rights are being challenged and rolled back.
I also came away knowing that I have so much to learn. Here is a little reading list I put together for myself…
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
- Beijing+30 Review
- CEDAW / Every Woman Treaty
- Istanbul Convention
- CSW History and Revitalization
Photos taken by author.