What was it like to attend the conference in New York?
Attending CSW68 in New York was a transformative experience. The conference focused on accelerating gender equality and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions with a gender perspective. The official opening session set the tone for engaging discussions on key gender issues. For me, in-person sessions ended on 15 March with a film screening organised by WILPF MENA and partners on “Beyond Survival – Celebrating resilience and leadership of Syrian women”.
Attending the conference was an enriching experience that gave me the unparalleled opportunity to engage with global and national leaders, activists, and experts in gender equality and women’s empowerment. I enjoyed the dynamic and inspiring ambience, with insightful discussions, side events and networking opportunities. These reinforced my commitment to gender equality and global peace advocacy.
What lessons did you take from the conference for other civil societies?
I gleaned valuable insights from the conference that could benefit other civil societies striving for women’s rights and gender equality. While most recommendations I heard are essential and have been reiterated over the years, they often remain generic and lack actionable specificity. Many of these suggestions, from strengthening institutions to increasing financing for gender equality initiatives, have been on the global decision making table for quite some time.
The critical question we must address is: who is implementing these recommendations? If these proposals are relegated to existing structures predominantly governed by men, genuine change will continue to remain elusive. The result is what we witness today: a ceasefire in Gaza boycotted by the masculine dominated UN Security Council. It is only evident that without a tangible shift in approach, these gatherings, like the CSW, risk becoming mere platforms for information dissemination, lacking transformative impact.
Therefore, it is crucial to shift our focus towards implementation. We need to develop actionable, tailored solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of all women.
What is it like to be an activist for feminist peace?
Being an activist for feminist peace is both fulfilling and challenging. It involves advocating for gender equality and promoting peace through a feminist lens, which means addressing the root causes of conflict while centering the experiences and voices of women in all diversity. This work entails challenging patriarchal norms and structures that perpetuate violence and inequality in order to create inclusive, just, and peaceful societies for all. Engaging in this advocacy field requires resilience, dedication, and solidarity with movements striving for social justice and gender equality worldwide.
It can be emotionally taxing reading and learning about various wars and conflicts in different regions of the world, especially knowing the disproportionate impact on women and children who often have no role in the genesis of these conflicts.
I was deeply moved when a UN representative expressed the difficulties they face in enforcing peace regulations on sovereign states. Sadly, women continue to bear the brunt of these so-called “difficulties” and suffer horrendous sexual, emotional and physical violence as states’ behaviour goes beyond control.
Despite being disproportionately affected by war, women remain underrepresented in peace processes, which is concerning.
What the world seems to forget is, women are not just victims; we are also peace setters, mediators, and changemakers. I am proud to be one of the changemakers striving for a more inclusive and peaceful world. As Chizitera Njoku said, “Women can change society.” I firmly believe that women can end wars and bring about global peace, and it is high time the narrative reflects this. It is crucial to give more women the opportunity to lead the global peace agenda and make a lasting impact to our world.
In your opinion, what are difficulties faced by young activists in this field?
Based on my conversations with a few young activists I have met, I can confidently say there are numerous challenges. One of the most significant issues is funding. Every activism project requires financial support to sustain and make a meaningful impact. Securing consistent and substantial funding can often be a hurdle, affecting the ability to carry out projects effectively and solidify commitment to causes.
Additionally, there are not enough opportunities for young activists to be involved in crucial decision making processes. The youth represents the future, and it is essential to include them in discussions and decisions that shape our world. Beyond contributing to these discussions, young activists need to learn and gain experience handling responsibilities from our youthful years.
What is your message to other young WILPFers?
Our world is facing significant challenges in the realms of women’s rights and global peace, as evidenced by the conferences’ reports and discussions from those directly involved in peace works at the local levels. As future leaders and changemakers, we must push back against these setbacks radically.
Collaboration is key. We must come together and leverage our collective strengths and voices to advocate for meaningful change. It is not just about representation but ensuring our voices are heard and valued in discussions that shape our world. Rather than limiting ourselves to separate youth-focused discussions, let’s strive to be part of broader national and global dialogues.
“Let’s remain persistent and committed to making a lasting impact. The journey towards a more peaceful and equitable world is ongoing, and it’s up to us to drive the change and ensure its sustainability. Together, let’s push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and make our mark on the global stage.”
Naida Kwarteng Osei