by Pat Black, Soroptimist International Director of Advocacy.

"I arrived in New York to some glorious warm sunny weather unlike previous years
when we have struggled with daily minus temperature figures. I  managed to register very quickly – again unlike past years when we had to
wait in line for a long time, there was no one else there so I walked in, picked
up my pre- registered pass and out again! No more than 5 minutes taken.

As other women start to arrive in New York, gradually over these two days I
manage to meet up with other members of the Soroptimist International
delegation. We have so much to discuss as we talk about arrangements for the next
two weeks, catch up on events since we last met,
or get to know each other a little better if meeting for the first time. Soroptimist
International friendship is wonderful.

Image: SIA President Sam  Collier Buchenau, Cheri Fleming, Soroptimist International President Yvonne Simpson

 

Saturday 12 March is a more relaxed day. For the first time CSW is holding a
Youth Forum, and it looks as though this will now be a permanent part of the
pre CSW meetings. Young people below the age of 30 years of age discuss the
empowerment of young women and young men as partners in achieving gender
equality, in order to advance the agenda toward 2030. At the end of two days the young
people present their Declaration to the Chair of the Commission,
H.E.Ambassador Antonio de Agular Patriota. I believe he will present this to
the main meeting of CSW60 on their behalf. It is probable that the event will be repeated in
future years. World YWCA worked alongside UN Women to bring this event together.

 

Image: SIGBI Federation Councillor, Remi Oyewole-Makele (SI Lagos Mainland),

IDA Pat Black, Soroptimist International President Yvonne Simpson

Let’s think about how we can sponsor young women or
better still young Soroptimists to attend in the future. Phumzile Mlambo –
Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women describes this event  as ‘transformational’, giving a direct voice at
the UN to the young people, who are not only the future leaders of the world,
but can be leaders for today.

Let’s make Educate to Lead work".