Farrell Racette’s 1990 painting “Ancestral Women Taking Back Their Dresses”

Provincial and territorial membership associations (PTMAs) are the backbone of NWAC. It is crucial that NWAC amplify regional grassroot voices. To achieve this goal, NWAC has an exciting opportunity.

NWAC has been cordially invited to join Canada at the 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This begs the question: what is CSW?

A commission of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since June 21, 1946, CSW has been the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is also plays a significant role in advancing women’s rights while documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world and influencing international standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This begs the question: what is CSW?

Practically speaking, CSW produces recommendations that take the form of negotiated agreed-upon conclusions on a priority theme. The outcomes and recommendations of each session are forwarded to ECOSOC for follow-up. CSW also contributes to the follow-up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The priority theme of the 66th CSW is: “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes”. The theme reflects the ongoing work of the PTMAs. Therefore, this is an opportunity to advance priorities, connect with our sisters around the world, and influence global standards.

The CSW66 is fast approaching. It will take place from March 14 to 25, 2022. This is an exciting opportunity for you to get involved and amplify your voice on the international stage. If you are interested in participating and/or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Smith at lsmith@nwac.ca.