The Role and Rights of Women and the United Nations

The role of women and their capacity to deal with the most fundamental problems of our time is not disputed by the international community at the United Nations. It is pursuing the advancement of women and girls, recognizing the pivotal role of women in tackling the fundamental problems of the world.

On July 2, 2010  the General Assembly  voted unanimously to create a new body, to be known as UN WOMEN for accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment. Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro of the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues, will guide the transition process. The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in which the Congregations of St. Joseph have general consultative status has, over the years, instituted Commissions to focus on particular issues such as the Commission on the Status of Women. In addition, Violence Against Women is one of the main concerns that continues to emerge.  

By 2015, the UN aims to adopt and enforce national laws to address and punish all forms of violence against women and girls, strengthen data collection on the prevalence of violence against women and address sexual violence in conflict.

Women have worked for many years to prevent and end violence, but it has become quite evident that men also have a crucial role to play in this effort. Recognizing the role of men, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched a Network of Men Leaders. The Network Leaders, current and former politicians, and religious leaders, will work in their spheres of influence to defy the stereotypes and speak on violence against women.

S. Marianne Sennick, (UN NGO ECOSOC Representative of the Congregations of St. Joseph)