A day in the life of your United Nations rep

For over a decade, Loretto at the UN has been a proud member of the Working Group on Girls (WGG). A global coalition of organizations, WGG was established nearly 30 years ago and is dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls, to ensure that the voices and needs of girls are heard and addressed in international policy discussions related to gender equality, education, health and human rights.

One of the many non-profit organizations at the United Nations headquarters, the WGG serves as an advocacy platform for girls’ rights, raising awareness about the unique challenges girls face while pushing for concrete action from governments, civil society and the private sector to improve girls’ lives. We provide a platform for networking, sharing knowledge, skill-building and coordinating efforts among stakeholders committed to advancing girls’ rights.

During this time of year, from winter into early spring, we engage in advocacy and dialogue with various nation states leading up to the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) meetings in March. Each nation state has an office to lead representation at the United Nations called its mission, and we organize to hold Mission Visits virtually and in person.

Today we hosted a training to equip interested girl participants with the knowledge, tools and practical experience necessary to advocate effectively during Mission Visits ahead of CSW69.

During the session, female participants could learn about the WGG, review key materials through presentations and practice advocacy skills in interactive breakout rooms.

Key materials we investigated included the WGG Girls’ Statement for CSW69, Section L (on Girls) of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) and a shadow report that included input from 670 girls from 18 countries! The report outlined challenges that remain for girls 30 years after the creation of the BPfA, which is the most progressive policy document we have regarding the human rights of girls and women globally.

A recent report, based on input from 670 girls from 18 countries, makes clear the challenges girls face today:
◊ Discrimination
◊ Disparity in education
◊ Gaps in access to healthcare and nutrition
◊ The need for child labor laws
◊ Gender-based violence
◊ A digital divide

Thanks to a recommendation from English department co-chair Anne Evans, two students from St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood, Colo., attended the training. Here are their reflections.

This morning’s training with the Working Group on Girls was an immersive, inspiring and educational experience that taught me about the WGG mission and how I, as a young woman scholar, can create change by engaging in conversation with global leaders and other young women like me. The session was insightful, interactive and engaging, covering topics such as cultural sensitivity, period poverty, leadership and much more. It was a valuable assist in my development as a scholar and an active community member.

Dafne

[The] interactive orientation for the Working Group on Girls was an incredibly educational and enlightening experience. I learned many new skills concerning diplomacy, leadership and more.

I felt this training aided my development regarding my role as a student, activist member of my community.

Maya

Thank you for keeping these girls — plus the other 42 members of our delegation — in your thoughts and prayers as we head toward CSW69!