Women and Peace and Security

Dear IAWN Sisters

The 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City is in full swing.  6,000 women and men representing over 800 NGOs are here.  There are doubtless many Anglicans involved with many of the NGOs, however the ones with which I am most closely involved are the 17 in the “Canadian Anglican Group”, the 25 in the ”Anglican Communion Office at the UN international delegate group”, and the several delegations of the Episcopal Church including a group of Indigenous women and a group of girls.  As the various panels and speeches unfold one is aware that men and boys need to be part of the conversation.  Last night (Wednesday) Todd Minnerson of Toronto and the White Ribbon Campaign was well received for his message.

Ambassador Chowdhury speaking at the Episcopal Church Center

Militarism and peace-making is also an important topic.  Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, speaking at the Episcopal Church Center on Tuesday the 5, and Canadian Deputy Ambassador Gilles Rivard speaking at the Canadian Mission both said that more women are needed on the Roster of Peacemakers from which the international community can draw when peacemaking committees are being formed.  At present only 2% of Peacemakers are women.  With 45,000,000 Anglican women worldwide, I hope that some qualified women can be identified to join the Roster.

Friday, March 8th is International Women's Day. This year’s theme is "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women." Stay tuned for more updates on the day's events.

Alice Medcof