This was the question asked by Michelle Bachelet,  head of UN Women, at a conference held by the Women’s Learning Partnership during CSW 55. Women from all over the world were sharing their experiences and their thoughts for the future of women’s rights and gender equality in the light of the different circumstances in which women live all over the world.

Bachelet is keen to consult women from the grassroots as well as women who occupy positions of power and influence at higher levels. She wants to ensure that women who do not often have a voice are able to express their wishes for change as UN Women starts work. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is very supportive of the need for change and emphasised the necessity of political will.

So the question remains – how do we make the UN accessible to those who are vulnerable and marginalised? How do we consult with those who do not have access to the internet and can feel cut off from global debate? Where are the women at the table for consultation and what shape is the table?

Mallika Dutt-President and
CEO of Breakthrough said that we must change the shape of the table where decisions are made: it must be round with equal representation. Wisdom and respect must be central to all talking.

Many ideas were put forward by attendees but the main discussion points centred on making sure that governments put into place the conventions that they have signed, that safe places are available for women to come and share their ideas and air their grievances, that internet centres are available and that there are programmes to engage men and boys in the debate also. Crucially, opportunities for change must be seized.

It is evident that there is much to be done to get more women into positions of influence at international, national and sub-national levels. We have to continue to work to get women into positions where they can influence changes to the status of women.
 
Consultation must be transparent and genuine without a pre agreed set of outcomes. Civil Society, of which SI is a part, must keep lobbying and making sure that women’s voices are not only heard but listened to and acted upon.  To find out what you can do today, visit the ACT NOW page on the website.

Margaret Cook – International Assistant Programme Director