Day 2: Consultation Day

Let your light shine, let your light shine, let your light shine.

After a day of empowered and productive work and discussion, we heard the passionate singing of the "Harlem Diva". Her words encouraged us to never hide in the shadows, to be bold, and to assert our knowledge that gender equality is essential for a better world.

After a bracing walk through -6 degrees c temperatures, we arrived at the Consultation Day, a fantastic celebration of the work of civil society and the NGO CSW Alliance, the New York branch celebrating its 45th Anniversary this year. The session opened with the voices of the United Nations Singers, and we enjoyed to listen to diverse music from across the globe - which gave a real sense of wonderful representation of so many different cultures. However, it was soon noted by the chair of the NGO CSW Alliance that many advocates could not be here today, due to VISA restrictions. Throughout the week we are encouraged to leave empty chairs in the events and question why so many are prevented from attending UN events.

Then the discussion began. A rise in xenophobia and nationalism was noted which can inhibit the implementation of SDG5, as countries become increasingly divided rather than having the neccesary sense that the SDGs must transcend conflict and international relationships. We heard from Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, the CSW61 Bureau Chair, who commented that

"The way to fight xenophobia and fundamentalism is upholding rationalism"

Other priorities which we emphasised were the neccesity to expand, not diminish, the space for civil society and crucially, the engagement of young people in gender equality. Also, it was celebrated that women do not need to live up to society, society needs to live up to them. Too often, the empowerment of women implies that women need to change, that women are somehow not good enough and must fit a typically powerful, masculine image. In fact, women have the right to be individual, to express themselves how they wish to and society must change to recognise this.

We were also amazed to hear from the woman of distinction 2017, Dr Mabelle Bianco and even Rupi Kaur, an incredible poet who commented on the treatment of women in relationships and pressures young women face surrounding their body image.

We then broke into breakout groups, my group discussing the problems of Child Marriage, forced Labour and trafficking. 28 child marriages happen every second. Was I aware of this fact? No. This is half of the problem, a lack of awareness and justification of these practises by religions and the impact of Sharia laws creates loopholes which many are unaware of. It was pointed out that in many countries, those who should fight against child marriage (such as lawyers) are married to children. If child marriage decreases, then the economic, social and political benefits will be multitudinous.

After a fantastic and informative day, we had the privilege of attending a dinner with the President of the International Council of Women and delegates from around the world. We sampled Korean food and learnt about the Korean culture whilst discussing our common passion for engaging young people in gender equality, it is amazing that despite our langauge barriers we still had so much in common. I could even have a go at practising my A Level French too, which was our lingua Franca.

It was a lovely occasion, I struggle to think of a kinder and more generous and welcoming group of people than we met this evening.

After the weekend of initial events - we feel excited and ready for the week to come.