BVM Delegation Attends UN 70th Commission on the Status of Women
A week in NYC brings new ideas and perspectives to the BVM delegation of Wahlert students Mallory (front row, l.), Lucy, Olivia, and Effie; (back row) Elizabeth Maus, Associates Mariah Reeves and Linda Heying, BVM Pat Bombard, Maggie Winkel, and BVM Katie Anders. Not pictured are delegation members, BVMs Karen Conover and Mary Martens, who attended virtually.
by Pat Bombard, BVM and Karen Conover, BVM
Sisters of Charity, BVM sponsored a delegation to the United Nations 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). Delegation members attended in person at the United Nations in New York City and virtually. The theme of CSW70 was “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls.”
Gathered in Hope for Justice and Dignity
The trip to New York was coordinated by BVM Associate Mariah Reeves, who serves as co-representative to Loretto/BVM at the UN with Karen Conover, BVM.
“CSW70 was a week filled with learning, advocacy, and empowerment,” Mariah says. “It was such a blessing to come together and work toward a common goal of access and equity for all women and girls.”
Katie Anders, BVM appreciated the opportunity to expand her vision of the world.
“One thing I continue to carry with me is the hope and inspiration women around the world gain from one another,” she says. “It is only by investing in relationships, discovering unity in our diversity, that we are able to continue to move closer to equality in all areas.”
Listening to the Wisdom and Witness of Women
“I am continually in awe of the strength and resilience of women,” adds BVM Associate Linda Heying. “Listening to the stories of women from around the world—each striving to advance their place in society—fills me with both admiration and a deep sense of responsibility.”
A major highlight of the week was the annual Townhall Meeting with the Secretary-General and Civil Society.
“Worldwide, women hold just 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls everywhere.”
The UN celebrated International Women’s Day on Monday, March 9, beginning with a speech by Academy Award-winning actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway.
“It’s hard to bear the knowledge that the distance between the promise of equality and the experience of it are yet still so far apart for so many,” she says. “It’s hard knowing that this day, which is meant to celebrate women, must yet still be about how unsafe it is to be a woman.”
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate, referred in her remarks to her hope to make a difference.
“Today I stand here heartbroken,” she says. “Never have I seen so many children suffering from war and violence.”
Beth Blissman, SL is the NGO UN Representative for the partnership between the Loretto Community and the Sisters of Charity, BVM (now known as “Loretto/BVM at the UN”). She provided extensive background on the CSW70 along with logistical help during several Zoom events. Virtual delegation members included BVMs Karen Conover and Mary Martens.
Making Connections Around the World
Karen attended almost 20 virtual events over the two-weeks of CSW70.
“The variety of topics and women presenters with experience and expertise was truly overwhelming,” she says. “A common theme was that despite the backsliding of many nations on their formal commitments to gender equity, women remain committed and passionate about advancing the well-being of woman and girls.”
As a member of the virtual delegation, Karen formed a bond with a 16-year old Afghan woman who taught herself English and continued her education despite females being barred from formal schooling in her country.
“Who knows?,” Karen says. “Tutoring and mentoring may happen between us in the near future. Although we are divided by age, culture, language, life-experience, and a six and a half hour time difference, mentoring will enrich us both!”