by Beth Adamson, NGO Committee on UNICEF,Working Group on Girls
Objective: Formally present the CSW 51 Review Toolkit, in collaboration with the Mission of Qatar as well as several UN agency focal points and girls.
Attendance: 78 persons
Summary: H.E. Ambassador Nassir Bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN spoke first about the commitment to girls’ education evidenced by Qatar’s current programme of quality improvement of teachers, curriculum, and textbooks. He was followed by Ambassador Carmen Maria Gallardo Hernandez Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of El Salvador to the United Nations, Bureau President of CSW 51. Within her remarks was a challenge to members of the NGO community to partner with focal points of the government at country level in order to achieve the promises made at CSW 51. Ms Rachel Mayanja, Assistant Secretary General, Special Advisor on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women made a very stirring reminder that girls are, in fact unique in the needs as well as potential and that we need to be serious in addressing them as current and future leaders.
Next a very moving five minute power point review of CSW 51 reminded us again of the powerful statements made, especially by girls who called again and again, “Listen to us”. Once of those present last year and pictured in the power point was Denise Malice from the country of Mozambique; she was the next speaker. Denise spoke with strong conviction recounting the project that she accomplished with the seed money given from the Mary Purcell grant.
At this point, Beth Adamson, Anglican Women’s Empowerment, ACC, introduced elements of the tool kit: a Summary of Agreed Conclusions on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination and Violence against Girls was first. This booklet is intended to clarify specifically what was promised in the spring of 2007 at the CSW. The summary is intended for persons age 16 years and up. Next the “indicator booklet” was introduced. With very direct questions in the area of education, participation of girls and financing for girls, (phase one of the review), the booklet aims to raise consciousness among focus groups regarding the progress in implementing of CSW 51 and promote action in one or two areas chosen by the group. In response, Bernadette from the Democratic Republic of the Congo gave very specific ideas of the manner in which she will use the toolkit.
The final speaker was by Ms. Helene-Marie Gosselin, Director of the Office of UNESCO. She gave a comprehensive and energetic over view of research, results, needs, fianancing - all ranging from primary school to young adulthood.
Outcome: There was a very good question period and an enthusiastic response to the toolkit. Now the task force is in the process of identifying networks who will commit to use the process and report to the WGG on eight questions regarding implementation. The Anglican Communion will be asked to join in this important work. In any Anglican institution that engages children, the Parish, school, medical facility, youth group, or other, you are asked to bring together a small group of girls and those who are involved with girls, to discuss the Agreed Conclusions, and the Indicator questions in regard to your organization’s involvement with girls. This is meant to be a time of reflection and honest evaluation with direct feedback from girls wherever possible. Via the 8 response questions at the beginning of the Indicator booklet, the WGG would like an e-mail from each participating group, telling us about your discussion, what you learned, and any projects or actions that you took as an outcome to the use of the Tool. More information will be forthcoming as we begin this important process.
Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in Heaven always see the face of my Father in Heaven.”
