UN-Women

Lessons from AIDS to emerging epidemic held by the UNAIDS

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The meeting began by the moderator’s opening remark on questioning the current HIV progress, a great success or a failure. Dr. Ren Minghui replied by acknowledging the advanced treatment facilities and policy framework gave rise to the elimination of maternal AIDS transmission in 4 countries. He was deliberately optimistic about the up-to-now achievements, yet perseverance work in ending AIDS was essential. Apart from that, Prof. Marie added with recognizing both of the contextual and biological vulnerability that accounted the stagnant progress in HIV incidence, among key groups, had limited access to package intervention.

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Side-event: Addressing global health emergencies: lessons from AIDS to Ebola, Zika & other emerging epidemics; held at UNHQ, New York, on June 9, 2016.

Regarding the need of vaccine on every epidemic situation, Dr. Berkley admitted the existing intellectual challenge was an inadequate monetary incentive for the massive vaccine manufacture. He stated there were effective vaccine trials available for various epidemic disease, but its application depended on the severity, urgency, and affordability of the affected region. In addition, Mr. Cone also underscored the limited access to clinics lowered one’s incentive on having diagnosis, receiving treatment, where the causes could be mandatory destroy on health-care facilities or geographically unreachable. The two emphasized the use of vaccine required the right priorities with good approaches.

On the other hand, Msgr. Vitillo addressed the role of church in combating epidemics, where churches could function as good as clinics. He reasserted the significance of education on changing one’s cultural attitude along with understanding and respect to culture, in order to wipe out the stigma and discrimination. Besides, Mr. Conteh expressed his concern that message delivery and community engagement were useful to stop epidemics. He ended by sharing the lesson from Ebola outbreak that the strategy of decentralization, where he believed, was valuable and should be applied during the epidemics.

Meeting: Side event on Addressing global health emergencies: Lessons from AIDS to emerging epidemic held by the UNAIDS

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, June 08, 2016; 18:30-20:30; Conference Room 3

Speakers: Mr. Luiz Loures, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS; Ms. Laurie Garrett, the Moderator Council on Foreign Relations (USA); Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of GAVI; Mr. Jason Cone, Executive Director for Doctors Without Borders; Prof. Marie Laga, Institute of Tropical Medicine; Mr. Alfred Palo Conteh, Minister of Internal Affairs (Sierra Leone); Dr. Ren Minghui, WHO Assistant Director-General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease; Ms.Alessandra Nilo, Executive Director for Gestos (Brazil); Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Caritas Internationalis Special Advisor on Health and HIV

Written By: WIT Representative, Kelvin HO

Edited By: WIT Administrator, Modou Cham

100th plenary meeting on Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS held by the General Assembly

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The meeting was operated for countries to declare their commitment against AIDS as well as implement political declarations. The President began with the opening remarks on addressing the above importance. Soon after, Mr. Sey revealed the key to preventing AIDS was to monitor the HIV transmission together with maintaining economic growth, where prosperity could alleviate poverty, with fewer women getting HIV. In addition, Prof. Randrianarimanana stated AIDS could be eradicated by focusing on high impact intervention, effective decentralization, and strengthening the health-care system. He admitted the epidemic was still existed, even if the current prevalence was low.

On the other hand, Dr. Numbi recalled the dedication on the previous declaration cheered the international commitment, technical and financial partners with a multisector approach to combat AIDS. Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Jasser added with a compliment on the comprehensive national program, safeguarding the access on treatment, had enhanced the community responsibility, cooperation and civil societies’ engagement. Moreover, Mr. Hamach reminded the stigma and discrimination would implicitly harm the Universal Health Coverage program where social restructuring was demanding. He ended his speech by reiterating political leadership and devotion to international community were vital to the Fast-Track to ending AIDS. Then, Ms. Skogen appealed to all members, to provide funding to high-burden and developing countries on quality education, sexual education, reproductive services along with well-trained health-care workers.

Last but not least, the above speakers declared their unceasing allegiance to combating AIDS financially or putting efforts on regulation compliance, demanding stronger prevention of AIDS.

Meeting: 100th plenary meeting on Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS held by the General Assembly

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, June 08, 2016; 15:00-18:00; General Assembly Hall

Speakers: His Excellency, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, the President of the General Assembly; His Excellency, Mr. Omar Sey, the Minister of Health & Social Welfare of Gambia; His Excellency, Prof. Dieudonné Randrianarimanana, the Minister of Health, Family Planning and Social Protection of Madagascar; His Excellency, Dr. Félix Kabange Numbi, The DRC Minister of Public Health; His Excellency, Dr. Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Jasser, the Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency, Mr. Masakazu Hamach, the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Her Excellency, Ms. Tone Skogen, the State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway

Written By: WIT Representative, Kelvin HO

Edited By: WIT Administrator, Modou Cham

Photo: https://twitter.com/unaids

Correcting the Absence of Women in STEM

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This meeting was held with the intentions of both celebration and discussion on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the still-prevalent disparity of women in science.

Princess Dr. El-Hashmite served as the moderator as well as a speaker for this panel. She asserted that the lack of women in science hinders reaching maximum potential in this field, and noted the difficulties of women pursuing careers in and outside of STEM, such as a lack of nurseries at work. She then said that she wanted to be recognized as a scientist, not as a woman in science.

Dr. Dalli went on to speak on how despite the growing number of females graduating from high education, the ratio of females to males pursuing science remains low. At the upper echelons of research, science policy, and the like, the ratio is even worse.

On behalf of UN Women Dr. Puri thanked Malta for its continued support of women in science initiatives and noted how women make up just 28% of global researchers and 5% of the national academy of science. She said that the gap extends beyond research into the realm of policy and executive positions relating to science.

Next, Ms. Jekogian spoke about her dreams of pursuing neuroscience, and Prince El-Hashemite made a pledge to support women and girls in STEM. Ms. Roudil of UNESCO stated that women and girls within science hold the key for innovation, and then Ms. Kogar stressed that for progression in scientific areas of study such as environment and artificial intelligence women are fundamental.

Dr. Lee Karlon noted that within science venture capital only about 4-10% are women, and instead of promises, individuals should move towards progress.

Meeting: High-level Forum on the Occasion of the First Annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Date/Location: Thursday, February 11, 2016; 10:00-13:00; United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 1

Speakers: HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, Executive Director, Royal Academy of Science International Trust, Founder of Women in Science International League; Hon. Dr. Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Malta; H.E. Ms. Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary General, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women; Ms. Rebecca Jekogian, Girl in Science; HRH Prince Zein El-Hashemite; Ms. Marie Paule Roudil, Special Representative and Director of the UNESCO Office at the United Nations; Miss Begum Kogar, Youth Vision; Dr. Ann Lee-Karlon, President, Association of Women in Science; Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the General Assembly; Richard Jordan-Representative of Elected Representatives in New York City and State; Ms. Nilgun Yerli

Written By: WIT Representative Olivia Gong

Edited By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Achieving Sustainable Development Through Employment Creation and Decent Work for All

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SustainableDevelopment112614This meeting focused on the idea that education systems, both in developing countries as well as developed ones, are not equipping their youth with the skills needed for all of the jobs in today’s work. As such, many speakers addressed the need to provide professional opportunities through entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and skills development.

Mr. Prado stressed the need to invest in women as a form of economic growth, and Ms. Vazquez discussed her company, WEConnect International, which works to help educate women and businesses about market demands. When women have equal capacity to compete, they are able grow businesses and create jobs.

The U.S. Representative asked the panel how to address people with low entrepreneurial spirit, and whether technology does not benefit some people. To this, Vasquez answered that beyond some social safety nets, an individual must educate themselves in order to be valued in today’s labor force. Furthermore, she stated that poor, uneducated people do contribute to innovation through technology, as seen with self-taught solar technology engineers in rural India. An EU representative then asked how governments could promote apprenticeships and dual learning systems. Sims answered that the problem with apprenticeship programs lies in incentivizing employers.

On the topic of integration, a Representative of Trinidad and Tobago called for the creation of industries that would allow women to work at home with flexible hours and green enterprise policies. The Russian Federation’s Representative discussed how government assistance to graduates, in the form of apprenticeships and employment search aid, helped integrate them into the workforce.

Meeting: Economic and Social Council, 2015 Integration Segment, 19th meeting “Achieving sustainable development through employment creation and decent work for all”
Date & Location: April 1st, 2015, Economic and Social Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Mr. Antonio Prado, Deputy Executive Secretary, ECLAC (moderator); H.E. Ms. Omobola Johnson, Minister, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Nigeria and Chairperson of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD); Zachary Sims, Co-Founder and CEO of Codecademy; Elizabeth Vazquez, President, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International; Ron Bruder, Founder of Education for Employment;
Written by WIT Representatives: Paige Stokols and Alis Yoo

Power of Collaboration – Women, Technology, and Social Innovation

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Women-working-international-resizeThe purpose of this meeting was to talk about women’s equality in the private and business sectors and in collaboration with civil society. Mr. Molinari focused on moving capital around businesses run by women, stating that “women are not looking for handouts; they are looking for access to capital.” Gate Global Impact has partnered with organizations like Microsoft and OPEC to invest in technologies and ways to disrupt the means by which capital is formed. Ms. Scott discussed the various “thermostats of inequality,” using data from 2013 in European countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary. The female-to-male ratio for tertiary education and professional jobs in these countries was favorable from a gender equality standpoint, but that same ratio for labor participation, similar pay for similar work, and roles and wages was not equal.  Ms. Scott also discussed the Russian Doll Effect, which is the idea that if girls are not nourished as children, poor states of health will remain in the family for generations. Professor Ritschelova continued by discussing reasons why women do not represent a larger percentage of the labor force. She cited a lack in education–499 million women worldwide have no education–and access to information as the two most significant reasons.  Ms. Macdougall talked about providing incentives so that banks will invest more capital into women. Ms. Chowdry also spoke about the importance of financial inclusion of women and integrating them into the economy more fully.

Meeting: Event on “Power of Collaboration: Women, Technology, and Social Innovation- Creating the Future of Inclusive, Sustainable Economies” (co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic and the Impact Leadership 21)
Date & Location: 25 March 2015, Conference Room 2, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Ambassador Edita Hrda, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations; Ms. Janet C. Salazar, CEO and Founder of IMPACT Leadership 21; Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, Former Under-Secretary General and High Representative of the United Nations; Mr. Constance J. Peak, CFO, Chief Strategist, and Co-Founder of Impact Leadership 21; Mr. Amir Dossal, Global Partnership Forum Chairman; Mr. Vincent Molinari, CEO of Gate Global Impact; Professor Linda Scott, DP World Chair for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Professor at the University of Oxford, Founder of Double X Economy;  Professor Iva Ritschelova, President of the Czech Statistical Office; Ms. Lisa Macdougal, Representative of Goldman Sachs; Ms. Nalia Chowdhury, TeleConsult Group Chairman, formerly Grameen lead on Village Phone Project; Ms. Elizabeth Isele, Founder and President of Senior Entrepreneurship Works
Written by WIT Representatives: Paige Stokols and Brian Lee
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Community and Policy Action to Empower Women

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2415633098_37d02e886aMs. Colakovic discussed the status of women in Bosnia, where 25% of peacekeepers are required to be women. Currently, 10 safe houses for women exist and victims of domestic violence are now more encouraged to report violence to NGOs and agencies working on issues related to domestic violence and protection. Ms. Colakovic stated that the most common form of violence is psychological followed by physical and sexual abuse.

Ms. Sisic asserted that to feel safe and protected is a human right. Violence against women and girls is a global human rights issue fueled by a global power imbalance. She stated that political action–not just political will–must be increased. Ms. Swahn explained that gender based violence and the global burden of alcohol are both barriers for development. People who are intoxicated have increased risk of rape and sexual violence, and very little research exists in areas where high levels of alcohol use take place, such as in African countries. Mr. Cortez introduced an initiative that UNDP and WHO are working together on to reduce alcohol consumption.  The goal of this conference is to interfere with health policy specifically in Africa, where alcohol policies have gotten stuck in draft phases.

Ms. Rojhani discussed how non-communicable diseases affect women and how they undermine sustainable development. At least half of the 40 million people with HIV are women, and women who have experienced violence are up to three times more likely to be infected with HIV. Women in general are less responsive to health systems because of a lack of screening, a “one size fits all” approach, and lack of access.

Meeting: Three Major Epidemics Burdening Women: Community and Policy Action to Empower Women (organized by the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina and IOGT International)
Date & Location: 18 March 2015, Conference Room E, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Kristina Sperkova, IOGT International; Aldijana Sisic, UN Trust Fund to End Women Against Violence; Adis Arnautovic, CEM Bosnia and Herzegovina; John Mututho, NACADA Kenya; Clifton Cortez, UNDP HIV, Health & Development Group; Ariella Rojhani, NCD Alliance; Monica Swahn, Georgia State University; H.E. Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN
Written by WIT Representative: Paige Stokols
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Commission on the Status of Women – OECD Development Centre Side Event

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csw-logoMs. Northover stressed the importance of addressing the social norms of males and females, focusing on eradicating female genital mutilation and discussed the difference between male and female violence. She further stated that gender equality is essential to SDGs focused on eradicating poverty. Ms. Nordstrom presented evidence of gender discrimination through statistics in order to show where it exists. This information is necessary in the effort to improve the lives of women.

It is difficult to change social norms–no country is free from discrimination. Indeed, while some nations have excellent constitutions that promote equality, customary laws and norms may actually prevent the implementation of those laws. Gender equality is a prerequisite for a transformative agenda that empowers women and men and allows people to contribute to their societies. Today’s speakers affirmed that there should be a world in which all people are free from violence, benefit from public services (education and health), have sexual and reproductive rights, economic and ownership rights, access to assets, and paid employment.

Ms. Nowacka discussed gender gaps in employment, education, and mortality rates. More specifically, she examined laws that discriminate against women, the prevalence of early marriage, and the effectiveness of legal implementation. Customary laws negate progressive gender equality codes in many countries. Gender equality, she said, requires constant vigilance and investment. Ms. Nowacka focused on the effect of early marriage on female education, employment, and income and addressed the need to invest in human capital. Mr. Crownover introduced a program that educates adolescent males on gender equality. Ms. Chandra highlighted the weak practice of gender equality laws, saying that women are viewed as a burden (especially through the dowry practice), which has led to increasing cases of missing girls. People do not want to invest in their daughters. Stronger measures need to be taken within the government to ensure laws are followed.

Meeting: OECD Development Centre side event to 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Jointly held with the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finalnd: Achieving Beijing: The Role of Social Norms for Gender Equality
Date & Location: 11 March 2015, Conference Room 7, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Moderator Baroness Lyndsay Northover, Department for International Development (DFID), UK, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development; Nina Nordstrom, Director, Unit for Human Rights Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Helsinki; Keiko Nowacka, OECD Development Centre, Gender Programme Coordinator; John Crownover, Care International, Programme Advisor and Gender and Youth Development Expert; Shailaja Chandra, Former Chief Secretary of Delhi
Written by WIT Representative: Ellie Guner
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Addressing the Continuum of Violence Against Women and Girls

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This meeting was held to address the continuum of violence against women. Ms. Mlambo-ngcuka started the discussion by stating the importance in changing social norms and cultures in order to make an impact. Simply changing laws and guidelines will not be enough to actually impact the many societies plagued by violence against women. Dr. Phavi continued by pointing out that different countries around the world have different needs in terms of policies and guidelines, so a blanket policy would not be sufficient. Dr. Phavi also talked about the need for extra care and counseling for the victims of violence and sexual abuse.

Ms. Cash talked about Australia’s effort in combating violence against women. She stated that it is important to work with the perpetrators to further understand why people commit these crimes and have mentalities that support gender inequality. Mr. Akhtar stated the importance of men and boys in this discussion–it is they who must understand to respect and care for women in order for a change to take place in the world.

Ms. Bangura said that after a woman is violated and abused, she should be given psychosocial help as well as sufficient help to readjust back into her community. The final speaker was Ms. Kapoor, whose main points dealt with the accountability of sex-based crimes. Police officers, judges, and people in positions of power need to accept and understand that violence against women is a serious crime. It is important to women that the perpetrators are properly punished and dealt with.

Meeting: Addressing the Continuum of Violence Against Women and girls
Date & Location: 11 March 2015, Conference Room 1, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Ms. Phumzile mlambo-ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of UN Women; H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs; Ms. Michaelia Clare Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women; Mr. Farhan Akhtar, Representative of Men Against Rape and Discrimination; Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict; Ms. Anuradha Kapoor
Written by WIT Representative: Brian Lee
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Men and Boys Against Gender Stereotypes and Violence Against Women

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genderequalityThe Commission on the Status of Women held a panel discussion on the active involvement of males in achieving gender equality. Kristin Hetle delivered an opening speech framing the difficulties in attaining equality. Often, gender-based violence (GBV) is considered the only hurdle left. Hetle asserted that, though violence is a serious matter, gender equality requires a more nuanced solution. It is crucial to target harmful underlying mentalities. In her home country of Norway, a university conducted a study in which participants were asked to choose between equally qualified male and female job candidates. Participants of both genders considered the male candidate as more qualified. Based on this, Hetle argued that our society is still subconsciously subject to gender inequality. She asked for men to not be silent bystanders to gender inequality.

Professor Hashimoto spoke briefly on the state of GBV in Japan, a country with notable levels of domestic violence. Luckily, there is significant progress0–more and more women report to domestic violence centers and do not suffer the blame for their abuse. However, Japan suffers from insufficient legal measures to rein in the sex industry, an area in which underage females may be at risk.

A representative from DIRE, a network of Italian equality organizations, asked whether gender-balanced panels were discriminatory for prioritizing gender over knowledge. She also asked about education practices used to instill values of gender equality. To answer, Sasdamoiden stated that, at least in the EU, there are consistent structural issues present in choosing panels, and skill is overshadowed by biases that see men as being more qualified than women. Gender-balanced panels thus adjust for this.

Meeting: #thingsmendo: Men and Boys against Gender Stereotypes and Violence against Women
Sponsor: Commission on the Status of Women (NGO CSW)
Date & Location: 11 March 2015, Conference Room 11, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Kristin Hetle, UN Director of Strategic Partnerships for Women; Giovanna Martelli, Gender Equality Advisor to the Prime Minister of Italy; Hiroko Hashimoto, Professor of Women’s Studies at Jumonji University; Polish Plenipotentiary on the Equal Status of Women; Sala Sasdamoiden, Representative of European Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy
Written By WIT Representative: Alis Yoo
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls for a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda

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gender equality 3 _640This meeting featured distinguished panelists, member states, and civil society organizations that discussed the critical importance of incorporating benchmarks and policies dedicated to promoting gender equality and female empowerment within the transformative post-2015 development agenda. In particular, representatives stressed the necessity for prioritizing the economic and political empowerment of women through offering women greater opportunities within both the public and private sectors.

Ms. Kabeer focused on the wide variety of gender stereotypes that serve as barriers towards enabling women to effectively participate in politics and urged the adoption of infrastructure and public services that will enable women to thrive in society. Ms. Kabeer looked favorably upon establishing a standalone goal in the SDGs dedicated to promoting gender equality in political life. Ms. Clark described a robust vision for improving the lives of women around the world, as empowering women is essential to the success of both the international community and the sustainable development goals. The representative from Montenegro proclaimed a commitment toward facilitating the inclusion of women in the economy and developing a cooperative approach for all stakeholders. The economic empowerment of women not only assists them, but also contributes to global poverty reduction. Additionally, the delegate from Brazil affirmed that gender equality can only be achieved through the collaboration of civil society and governments.

Furthermore, representatives emphasized the significance of strengthening both accessibility and quality of education, seeing as how education is integral in instilling foundational and transferable skills that will benefit women that are becoming active global citizens. Mr. Osothimehin spoke about analyzing education holistically and improving standards of innovation, which would allow adolescent girls the ability to develop a comprehension of technical and vocational skills. Next, Ms. Hayshi alluded to alarming gender inequities like discrimination, lack of equal pay, and violence, which serve as impediments toward female empowerment. Finally, the President of the General Assembly concluded the debate by pointing out that sustainable development cannot be attained without valuable contributions from women.

Meeting: High-level Thematic Debate on Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls for a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda
Date & Location: Friday, 6 March 2015, UN Trusteeship Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at the Gender Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science; Helen Clark, Administrator of United Nations Development Programme; Irina Bokova, Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund; Yoko Hayashi Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; Geeta Rao Gupta, Deputy Executive Director for Programs United Nations Children Fund; Representative from International Labor Organization; Representative of Montenegro, Representative of Latvia, Representative of Ecuador, Representative of Zimbabwe, Representative of Finland, Representative of Ukraine, Representative of Brazil, Representative of Canada.
Written By WIT Representative: Parth Shingala
Edited By WIT Representative: Philip Bracey