This March, a group of about 70 Presbyterians, along with ecumenical partners and many non-profit organizations, will play a vital role as the United Nations outlines its international approach to women’s issues – specifically in efforts to eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women and girls. Among the group, young Presbyterian women will serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of their generation.
They will take part in activities surrounding the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York City March 4-15. During this yearly meeting, representatives from member states gather at UN headquarters to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. Through this dialog with Presbyterians and other attendees, the Commission sets its global policy in regards to women’s issues under the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Presbyterian participants advocate for God’s justice and peace, guided by General Assembly policy. Participation inspires and equips Presbyterians, women and men alike, to proclaim and advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment at the local, state, national, and international levels.
“The women and men in this diverse and dynamic group of Presbyterians are blessed by the opportunity to join our voices in working to affect real change locally and globally,” said Kate Carlisle, Associate for Young Women’s Leadership Development (YWLD).
The majority of the Presbyterian delegation is made up of members of Presbyterian Women (PW), who have long been present at these meeting to share the concerns of women from around the world. This year, thirteen young women participating in or leading Young Women’s Leadership Development programs within Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries/PW will join them. These young women will participate in the proceedings and provide a generational perspective to the meetings.
Follow the YWLD participants as they share their stories and experiences during this important event through the PC(USA) website, on our Racial Ethnic Young Women Together or National Network of College Presbyterian Women Facebook pages, at www.ecumenicalwomen.org, and through the Swords for Plowshares blog . Help us educate other young women and encourage their prayer and participation in understanding the challenges, inequities, and crimes women around the world face and how we can improve the lives of all.
“As Christians, we are called to bear witness to the suffering and injustice in the world. We are also called to speak out with compassion and courage, no matter how young or old we might be,” Carlisle adds.
Young Women’s Leadership Development is a national ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency within Women’s Ministries. The office of Young Women’s Leadership Development provides resources and programs for young adult women ages 18 – 35 who are considering leadership opportunities in the church.