Yesterday, SI and WAGGGS presented the first of our two joint workshops at CSW. The focus of this workshop was formal and non formal education for women and girls, with particular emphasis given to the life course approach.

There were six panelists showcasing case studies from Soroptimist International and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Maria Lauder from Costa Rica spoke about WAGGGS on the ground in her community where WAGGGS is focusing on learning with young girls.

Katie, a 16 year old high school student, spoke about her experiences with the Girl Scouts.  She told the audience how she has developed interpersonal skills from being a member since she was in the 4th grade. She also has had the opportunity to have an internship at her state capital through a project called ‘Girls Rock the Capital’.  She feels this has helped her to improve her public speaking skills.

Sharon Fisher from SI spoke on how education is a basic human right and how the benefits of education reach beyond the educated women or girl. For example, educated women are the basis for stronger family structures.  She spoke on the SIA’s (Soroptimist International of the Americas) Women’s Opportunity Award and how this award has help women achieve their dreams for a better life.   Since its inception, over USD $25 million have been awarded to extraordinary women.

Liz Morgan Lewis spoke about the work of SI in Nigeria with widows. Land ownership for women is very difficult as women do not automatically inherit their husbands estate.  One such project, run by SIGBI (Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland), is training widows to operate sewing machines so they can sell their goods on the market. This provides them with some financial independence through the provision of vocational skills.

The last Soroptimist presentation was on Moldova where education is used as a tool to prevent violence against women.  The Soroptimist clubs in Moldova work in the orphanages to educate the young women in key life skills. The clubs work to create a safe space for them so that they will not choose prostitution.  Our work in Sierra Leone was also highlighted as Project SIerra enters its final phase.

The panel then moved into an intergenerational dialogue on how education is important.  This was a refreshing change to the typical panel discussions.  The young women who presented were extremely articulate and dynamic public speakers and the audience were very engaged.

The next joint SI and WAGGGS workshop will be on Friday where the theme will be Uniting Against Violence: A Girl Centred Approach.

Andrea Mills – SI UN Representative to New York