Source: Wilton Villager
A delegation of 15 women with diverse backgrounds but a common mindset to improve the lives of women around the world met Monday, Feb. 21, at the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Wilton. Their mission: to map out their participation in the United Nations' 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

With varying personal reasons for participation, the group has a shared commitment to reach out to high-level representatives from countries around the world to discuss their concerns about violence against women, the importance of educational opportunities for girls, and the elimination of discrimination against women. The local contingent was joined by students and faculty from the SSND-sponsored College of Notre Dame in Maryland and includes participants from all over the globe.

The 55th session of the Commission of the Status of Women began Feb. 22 and runs through March 4 at United Nations headquarters in New York.

As a registered Non-Governmental Organization with the U.N.'s Department of Public Information, the SSND will be submitting written statements on the issues of education, in particular equal access to education in the fields of technology. Sister Eileen Reilly, director of the SSND UN-NGO said, "For us, education means enabling persons to reach the fullness of their potential when they do have equal access to education in all fields, including science and technology. We approach this year's commission meeting committed to raising awareness about barriers to women's full access to these key fields in the 21st century."

Sister Ethel Howley of SSND in Wilton demonstrated what the group hopes to accomplish. She clenched her fist tightly and asked, "How do you get someone to open their fist?" Opening her hand she said simply, "Just ask." She added, "They may or may not do anything, but we are going there to make a statement."

The group had just come off an informational session Sunday, Feb. 20 in preparation for their participation in the commission. Held at Pace University in New York, the featured speakers were Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and executive director of U.N. Women; and Leyma Roberta Gbowee, executive director of Women, Peace and Security Network-Africa. The SSND delegates were among 300 participants from more thsa 30 countries who participated in workshops designed to inspire them to be effective advocates at the CSW.

SSND delegate Adaku Ihekweme, a native of Nigeria and student at the College of Notre Dame, was motivated by the speakers and said, "It made me realize that we are not women of tomorrow, we are women of now."

Glenace Green, who is pursuing a graduate degree in sociology at DePaul University in Chicago, said, "I'm passionate about children's and women's issues. I plan to do research to impact policy. I'm attending the conference with an open mind and heart. I expect to bring back a wealth of information."

In addition to presenting their written statement, they attend panel discussions on such topics as Violence and Discrimination Against Girls in Schools; Our Bodies Are Still Trembling: Haitian Women's Fight Against Rape; and Violence Against the Girl: Child-Responses to Family Violence and Human Trafficking. The agenda also includes round-table discussions with high-level participants from nation's capitals throughout the world and interactive panels meeting to identify key policy iniatives.

The Commission on the Status of Women is a commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. SSND's mission statement says in part, "As educators with world vision, School Sisters of Notre Dame are especially sensitive to the needs of women, children and those who live in poverty as they strive to create a global community where human dignity is respected the environment is treasured, spirituality is nourished, and justice is practiced."

Sister Judy Bourg, who runs a volunteer ministry and clinic for indigent women and children in Arizona on the Mexican border, has devoted more than 30 years of her life to helping women and children. An accredited legal representative, she has provided advocacy services for those in need.

"It's a great privilege to be included in this delegation," she said.

Sister Limeteze Pierre-Gilles, originally from Haiti, has lived in the U.S. for eight years and says she is deeply concerned about the women in her homeland. Seeing a video about women and rape in Haiti, a situation that has worsened after the earthquake because of the precarious situations in the tent cities, she says, "This opened my eyes to the situation there."

Ihekweme has been in the U.S. for seven years, also has concerns about her homeland.

"Nigeria is a country where there is violence against women," she said. "The situation there brings tears to my eyes."

Her motivation for going to the U.N.?

"My voice should be heard."