SIA Participates in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women
The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) served as the United Nation's largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment. This year's event, which took place March 11-22, carried the theme "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective."
Many Soroptimists from all over the world joined governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists worldwide to agree on actions and investments to end women's poverty and advance gender equality.
“It was so impressive to see Soroptimists from countries near and far gathering to participate in such an important event”
In addition to workshops and presentations, it was also a meeting place for Soroptimists to connect on their mission of advancing gender equality through education. "I find these events motivating and inspiring," says Michelle Burnett, SIA Executive Director/CEO.
“What matters most is that we’re uniting; we’re coming together talking about how to tackle the challenges facing women that still persist today.”
As part of the event, SIA was invited to host our own CSW parallel event, Accelerating Gender Equality through Education. The Zoom panel discussion focused on the power of education to end poverty and achieve gender equality. President Bobbi provided an overview of SIA's long history of improving the economic circumstances of women and girls through access to education. More than 288 attendees participated in six languages.
A group of vibrant panelists also shared their thoughts on our Dream Programs and Big Goal Accelerator Projects. Julie Kaye of SI/Metropolitan Sacramento, CA (Sierra Nevada Region), introduced members to her club's extremely successful Dream It, Be It program. She also shared their gorgeous mural, which the girls had the opportunity to paint with a real artist in Sacramento. Terri Craig of SI/Raleigh, NC, and the Central East Coast Region Live Your Dream Awards Chair shared inspiring ways for regions to support clubs and work together to reach even more women through the Live Your Dream Awards.
SIA Board Director Vivian Walczesky and Board Director Maria Helena R. dos Santos
Finally, Laurel Lanham, club president, and Marilee Stefenhagen, club secretary of SI/Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs, CA (Desert Coast Region) shared their project, which was the recent winner of the Best in Federation Club Award for Impact. Their club has been paying General Educational Diploma fees for women in the Custody to the Community Transitional ReEntry Program and providing other support, including school supplies. This project has helped women earn their GEDs and shorten their sentences at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
"It's always so exciting to be part of CSW and its global impact," says Iesha D. Brown, SIA Chief Impact and Engagement Officer. "Our webinar attendees were inspired in the chat, gathering ideas for creating their own impact or sharing more about Soroptimist in their communities—the ripple effect of education for women and girls is truly limitless!"
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