CSW

I have been in New York now for 10 days and today I am having a stay at the hotel day as it is minus 4 degrees.

I have attended many events and workshops at the United Nations. The main themes are violence against women and combating AIDS particularly in under developing countries. I was able to chair a session about innovative ways toaccess funds for NGOs. I have a list of web sites that are able to fund projects mainly in under deloped countries. Yesterday the Australian Statement was read out in the General Assembly and it was very mild. I understand there has been some drama at home about representation of women, In the statement the government said they were very supportive of women in Australia!

There are so many work shops to attend it is difficult to choose as there are the UN CSW sessions, NGO events and the sessions held by the permanent missions located in New York. On Thursday I attended a function at the Australian Mission and met the ambassadors from Timor Lest, PNG and Tonga. I am going to have an appointment with the PNG Ambassador to have an understanding the government processes in PNG and to get some names so BPWA can investigate in developing a relationship through BPW Port Moresby to assist non financially with the AIDS/HIV challenge that the country is facing in the next 10 years. We have a social responsibility to work with our nearest neighbour in an appropriate capacity.

Tonight I am attending the BPW International Dinner with about 70 world wide BPW representatives. BPW has 247 representatives at CSW and we are the biggest lobby group.
I am sharing my room with Susan Jones and Yasmin Darwich from Mexico. The International Congress registration will be half the price of Lassaune. The cost is around 500 pesos and we will be able to stay in 4 to 5 star hotels for 100 dollars Australia per night ($50 each) so we need to publicise the Congress as it is the most important opprtunity for Australian members to influence the international organisation.

Please enjoy International Night and think of the women who have no democratic right to even celebrate International night.

Regards

Marilyn