52nd Session on the Commission of the Status of Women
 Laura Polk is a member of REYWT's 12-member decision-making body, also known as Core . She is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, and a recent graduate of University of Maryland where she received a master’s degree in Applied Anthropology. She has been very active within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Laura has served as a Young Adult Intern for Mission Service Recruitment and as a Young Adult Volunteer in Seattle, Washington.
The 52nd Annual U.N. Commission on the Status of Women is an event that provides a gender perspective on women’s rights around the world. The theme for this year was “Financing for Success and Security,” serving as the primary focus for proposals put forth by the commission.
I attended as a delegate through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through observing CSW panel discussions and attending parallel events run by NGOs, I was able to get a glimpse of the work to improve gender equality being carried out by organizations from around the world, as well as the ways in which they made their voices heard through advocating to CSW for a more comprehensive strategy.
Overall, the parallel events proved to be more compelling than the actual commission; they centered on various themes in gender equality such as education, health, migration, violence and development.
It was particularly empowering for me as a person of faith to bear witness to the ongoing ecumenical work and solidarity. To experience women (and a few men) from across the globe and from various faith traditions coming together in dialogue was inspiring and also gave me hope that the women in the church can continue to make their voices heard.
As a woman of color, I am constantly inundated with the message — particularly through the images in the media — that women like me are merely the recipients of aid, not the givers. I believe that hearing the voices particularly of women of color who are working to empower others in their community will inspire other women of color to continue to challenge this perception.
The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making body. Every year, representatives of member states gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. |
