The NGO Consultation day (Monday 21st February) was a great time for learning and sharing. Michelle Bachelet attended and gave a key note address to all the NGO representatives gathered. We were heard from  Michelle Bachelet that UN Women MUST be effective in its influence among women all over the world. As the Chief Executive and Under Secretary General for the new agency she is determined that women’s voices will be heard! In her powerful speech at the Consultation day she emphasised that women will never have equal rights unless they are empowered, that violence against women should be ended and that the implementation of the peace agenda through women’s voices (Security Resolution 1325) must become a reality.

She cleary argued that empowerment not only refers to education but also fair and equitable economics, land rights and access to resources- all of which will enable women to take their full part in society. Partnerships with other groups are integral to the development of women as equal partners within their communities. Fundamental to these changes is the strategic plan for 2012 to 2015 which is being worked on at present. Consultations with women from regional level to global level will be crucial to its development. She wants to listen to women from all walks of life and is determined that this will happen! What a refreshing approach from an energetic and empowered women whose achievements in life are quite awesome!

Our attention was brought to the lack of women involved in science and technology and good examples of changing this situation were offered. Of great importance is the changing of attitudes and giving access to resources which changes lives. Examples given included mobile phones given to health workers in Bangladesh and science courses offered to teenage girls in a user friendly way in USA and Fiji. A powerful performance from girls about violence against women in the Congo finished the morning.

Margaret Cook – International Assistant Programme Director