International Programme Director, Hilary Ratcliffe reflects on CSW59

"CSW59 was a huge success for Soroptimist International. The
dedicated and proactive delegation of around 100 Soroptimists from across the
globe were able to advocate for women and girls and their hard work paid off.
The international nature of the delegation meant that SI was able to bring a
variety of united perspectives which promoted SI’s advocacy work that is based
on the grassroots project works done by Soroptimists clubs everywhere.

On International Women’s Day, 8 March, Soroptimists were out
in force. For me, the sight of all the Soroptimists bedecked with scarves
marching to celebrate women’s right was the highlight of CSW59. The atmosphere
was fantastic, with a Soroptimist from Nigeria even dancing on a bench. She
held a Soroptimist banner proudly aloft proclaiming that we are an international
women’s organisation and proud of it.

Photo: International Women’s Day March, New York

"SI was the sole host of three parallel events, and collaborated on
a number of others with other organisations; this meant that SI was included in
its largest number of CSW parallel events yet! The events covered issues like
human trafficking, the economic empowerment of women, and violence against
women. The feedback we had on the events was overwhelmingly positive, and some
were so busy we had to turn people away at the door. A number of speakers were
Soroptimists, and SI would not have been able to demonstrate such a presence
and speak with such a strong voice were it not for their expertise.

 

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"SI’s parallel events at the NGO Forum were
praised. The flyer that we had advertising them was excellent, and helped to
fill every single event. As a result, SI was able to make key points about the rights
of women and girls and their empowerment. This is very important, and will stay
forward as we try to stay involved in the negotiations around the post-2015
Development Agenda.

But it is not only specific moments that stand out in my
mind, but the whole CSW experience. All of the SI delegation were dedicated in trying to get key
points across to governments: that we want a standalone gender goal; that
violence against women and girls is not acceptable; and that education for all has
to be at the heart of all government policies.

 

Photo: Soroptimist Andrea Simon SI Barbados and International Programme Director Hilary Ratcliffe

None of this could have been as successful without the
wonderful work of the SI Delegation. SI’s members were hugely involved, and
really saw themselves as part of an international women’s movement dedicated to
trying to change the mind-set of governments and make the world a better place.
The number of Soroptimist International scarves loudly proclaiming our place in
the post 2015 world showed we are an organisation to be reckoned with. We are
forceful advocates and are truly coming of age. We have every right to be proud
of what we achieved at CSW59".