Applications now open for CSW 56

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women – and WAGGGS is offering Girl Guides and Girl Scouts everywhere a chance to be a part of it.

CSW is the principal global policy-making body on issues relating to gender inequality. Every year, representatives of Member States gather to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide. This year the Commission will focus on the role of rural women.

WAGGGS has been bringing youth delegations to the commission since 2007, and champions the important role that girls and young women can, and must, play at the commission. It also provides a space for young women to develop their skills as advocates, leaders and change-makers and to take these skills back home and apply them to their local communities and guiding projects.

“Attending the UN CSW with WAGGGS taught me how my voice can be heard and matters at the global scale. I now understand more fully the importance of WAGGGS as an advocate for girls’ and women’s rights. I look forward to making a change and bring this knowledge back to the Girl Guides in Canada.” Rachel, Canada

You can read more here about the role that the WAGGGS delegates played at the commission in 2011 here.

Applications are now open for WAGGGS members to join the delegation for CSW 56 in 27 February to 9 March 2012. Applications are open to members who are actively engaged in projects within their national associations that empower rural girls and young women. You can download the application form here. Fully completed applications must be returned by 20 December 2011 to rebecca@wagggsworld.org.