The 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW59) took place at the United Nations in New York from March 9-20, 2015. Participants gathered to evaluate the progress and remaining challenges for implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, the 1995 agreement that identified 12 critical areas of concern for gender equality and women's rights.
Eleanor Schlesinger, PPSEAWA International Director and Senior UN Representative, was the primary organizer behind PPSEAWA’s presence during CSW59. PPSEAWA co-chaired with the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) to present an event on Women in Government on March 13, 2015 in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium of the United Nations. The program was entitled “The World Can’t Afford to Wait Until the Next Century to Have Equal Participation In Parliaments.” The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Helena Kane Finn, Vice President and Director of the Programs American Council on Germany, and panelists included:
- Mrs. Nesrin Celik, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Turkey
- Ursula Groden-Kranich, member of the German Bundestag
- Malahat Ibrahimgizi. member of the Azerbaijan Republic Parliament
- Begona Lasagabaster, Director of Policy Division at UN Women.
The panel highlighted why it is important for women to be leaders so they can affect social and economic improvements for all of society. Our speakers and moderator answered many points and the presentation was both successful and educational. In fact, the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium was filled to capacity with people sitting in the isles and stairs!
There were a few other highlights for participants from PPSEAWA International as well. On March 6th, NY Chapter President Patsy Chen hosted a warm welcome reception at TECO-NY (Taipei Cultural and Economic Office). Lady Francesca Todd presented, and everyone enjoyed the Chinese buffet and entertainment. On March 10th, PPSEAWA International with the assistance of PPSEAWA New York and PPSEAWA USA, hosted a lovely welcome reception at the 3 West Club.