Seeking Gender Justice: Addressing HIV/AIDS

Participants in the Ecumenical Women 2000+ Orientation experience the interrelated nature of the issues facing the girl child and women. Photo by Mark Koenig.

From around the world, women (and men) came to the United Nations in New York for the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) from February 26 to March 9. Seven Presbyterian women, representing Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT), were among those who participated in this annual gathering that evaluates progress on gender equality, identifies challenges, sets global standards and formulates concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide.

This year’s focus for the CSW was the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child.

The women from REYWT arrived early to participate in an orientation to the CSW and the consultation for nongovernmental organizations. On Saturday, February 24, Ecumenical Women 2000+, a coalition of denominations and ecumenical organizations at the U.N. who focus on the global intersection of religion and human rights with a gender perspective, sponsored an orientation to the CSW.

Recognizing that those who follow Jesus root their participation in the CSW in their faith, the orientation began with worship in Tillman Chapel of the Church Center for the U.N. A variety of speakers followed. They explored the issues before the CSW, described how nongovernmental organizations can participate in the CSW process and discussed how to work together.

On February 25, nongovernmental organizations held a consultation. The women from REYWT participated with women and men from around the world in discussions and strategy sessions exploring the issues to be considered by the CSW.

Monday, February 26, was spent registering for the CSW and watching the opening sessions. Participants could also attend “parallel events” sponsored by NGOs, U.N. Missions, or U.N. Entities. These events provide opportunities for education and networking on matters of concern related to the themes addressed by the CSW.

On Tuesday, February 27, the women from REYWT participated in a seminar at the Presbyterian United Nations Office that focused on HIV/AIDS and women of color. This issue is REYWT’s current advocacy focus. Lynn Murchison of UNAIDS and Reena John of the Women’s HIV Collaborative of New York were the featured speakers.

The participants from REYWT were network members, Micah Emerson, Shivonia Singleton, Ilia Snowball, Ruth-Aimee Belonni-Rosario and Amanda Cheromiah and staff members, Bridgett Green and Katie Anderson. They left New York on February 28, having learned about the U.N., participated in the U.N. process and explored ways to continue their efforts to work for gender justice and to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.