United Nations CSW68

Reflections and Highlights

After my selection as a UN Women UK Delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), I became deeply interested in the CSW processes and the reports from that session. 

This year, representing Her Dream Initiative, Southern Africa Embrace Foundation and the Moot Alumni Association of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, I had the opportunity to attend the CSW68. It was an enriching experience for me and attending in-person for the first time strengthened my resolve to do much more in advocacy and Policy influencing.

I'd like to give a little insight into my experience.

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Theme: Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.

At the United Nations HQ

Days I attended: 12 -17 March, 2024.

Some events I attended include;

• The African Women Leaders’ Network (AWLN), Diaspora launch on the 13th of March 2024 at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations.

• Townhall Meeting with the Secretary General and Civil Society in the margins of the sixty-eight session of the Commission on the Status of Women on the 13th of March.

• We Deserve Better: Unlocking the Power of Social Protection for Women and Girls" organized by UNICEF in collaboration with FCDO, Sida, UNICEF Innocenti, and the Hewlett Foundation on the 13th of March.

• Feminist Accountability Event at Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice on the 14th of March.

• The Imperative of Financing SRHR for Climate Justice on the 15th of March- I was invited as a Speaker at this Parallel Event.

• CSW68 Youth Forum: Youth and Adolescents Driving Forward Gender Equality by Addressing Poverty and Strengthening Institutions on the 17th of March. 

• UNICEF CSW Events

• Women Lead Forum organised by the Southern Africa Embrace Foundation.

• Nalafem: Night of Solidarity Event

• Women Deliver and UNFPA Event.

Overview

The Commission on the Status of Women was a convening to make interventions towards women's economic empowerment. Alongside other gender equality advocates, I sat in over 15 events gaining insight and also contributing to the conversation.

Some of the highlights for me;

SPEAKING AT THE UNITED NATIONS

I was on the Panel for the Imperative of Financing SRHR for Climate Justice by the SRHR and Climate Justice Coalition. This is a major project we've been working on at Her Dream Initiative and I was glad to share some of our outputs and interventions.

• The success stories of Norway, Iceland and some other countries on the equal pay policies sparked hope in the room. It was inspiring seeing countries actively working towards accelerating the progress of women.

• The conversations on maternity care, unpaid care work and domestic labour was a constant. Countries shared progress made on this front.

• There was advocacy for effective language during the allocation of budget and budgetary frameworks. I attended the Budget High Level Session of the EU and noted the need for women leadership.

• Curbing gender based violence will move us towards the right direction in terms of eradicating poverty. Women are the face of poverty globally and it is enhanced by gender-based violence.

• The launch of the African Women Leaders Diaspora Network will aid effective impact in social justice. Meeting African Leaders such as Dr. Sindy Zemura and the African Union Leaders deeply inspired me.

• The legal frameworks must be strengthened to accelerate the progress of women. This was highlighted in the Norwegian session I attended and the UNICEF sessions.

• I particularly appreciated the Youth forums and events that allowed intergenerational dialogue and networking. I reconnected with some of my connections from Women Deliver Conference, Kigali. I also visited the Nigerian Embassy in New York where I met with the Minister of Women Affairs in Nigeria as well as State Commissioners.

Recommendations

• Beyond the high level forums, hearing countries share their success stories inspired me. I believe this should be prioritised at the next session. Countries that have successfully scaled gender equality above average percentile should be heard.

• Effective language: There was little intervention on the impact of climate change on women, women leadership within the United Nations and SRHR Budgeting. 

• I believe more grassroot organisations need to be present at the next session. Every United Nations event, this seems to be a concern yet no concrete structure has been put in place for funding especially for advocates in the Global South.

• Gender balance is key in every discussion but much more, I believe youths should lead more events at the General Assembly. Youths now make up more than 50% of the population, yet excluded from several processes within the UN.

IN CONCLUSION, WHILE WE LOOK FORWARD TO CSW69 I BELEIVE THIS SESSION WAS A FRUITFUL AND PRODUCTIVE ONE. MY SINCERE HOPE IS THAT THESE ENGAGEMENTS TRANSLATE TO GENDER JUSTICE ACROSS THE GLOBE.

SEE YOU AT CSW69!

2022 in all its glory + AMAZING RESOURCES FOR 2023

I was listening to a podcast yesterday and one thing the speaker said resonated with me. When people say, "The year was rough" it could be pretty relative. For some it's rejection, for some it's the loss of a loved one, for some it could be betrayal, or even not travelling to as many countries.

That is why it is important to have an outlook of gratitude and never compare anyone's wins to yours. One major experience that shaped me this year was the ability to never lose my joy. I had my share of rejections and some still hurt, but I also had the pleasure of experiencing so many many new and exciting things. I went through my 2022 gallery this evening and couldn't help but smile. I would encourage you to do the same.

So 2023 is here and there's so much you want to do. Can I at least tell you not to put pressure on yourself? Take your time to plan, research and reflect. If you're feeling overwhelmed, start by writing one goal you want to achieve by the end of 2023 and map out how you'll get there.

These resources might help too!💫

1. Opportunity Desk: Get access to opportunities across the globe. From Fellowships, scholarships, contests to internships all in one space. https://opportunitydesk.org/

2. GetIn Edu Consult: For application tips and tricks.

https://linktr.ee/getinedu?fbclid=PAAaZEZhe2oaZB2fiIdlaz1KmpVoDC4LaQToVR1bAS78Go1vjS0-kaCqlhqdE

3. Podcasts: People who listen to podcasts will tell you that it is one of the best ways to retain information and they are not lying. Listen to BBC, Ted Talks Daily, Voice of Change by Jumoke Adenowo and many more inspiring channels.

4. Hubspot: Get a free email signature using Hubspot. This is for people who like to give their emails a touch of professionalism.

https://www.hubspot.com/email-signature-generator?utm_source=create-signature

5. Doodle: The fastest and easiest way to set up appointments, meetings, etc.

https://doodle.com/en/

6. The Noun Project: For free icons and photos

https://thenounproject.com/

7. MasterClass: I was gifted membership last year and this was a game changer for me in 2022. You get to learn from your fav changemakers and leaders across the globe.

https://www.masterclass.com/

8. Academic Research: This is a LinkedIn post that highlights hidden sites that will aid your research and academic work. 

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6901625987638145025?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6901625987638145025%29

9. YouVersion Bible App: Looking for something to aid your spiritual growth, then go for this Bible App. Shoutout to one of my favourite persons for introducing me to this app. It really helped me and I'm thankful to her everytime.

10. Heritage Sanmi-Lawal: Am I a resource? No👀. But I'm a gift that keeps giving so stay in touch with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. I also think keeping in touch with Her Dream Initiative will do you plenty good. We have so many exciting advocacy and empowerment projects aimed at women and girls in 2023.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heritage-sanmi-lawal-433a14163

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hsanmilawal?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Her Dream Initiative: https://msha.ke/herdream.initiative/#her-dream-initiative

I would also like to thank every reader of this blog post. You are the real MVP!

Not Your Regular Bystander

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours, and other visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature...'

_ Section 264(2), Criminal Law of Lagos State

In recent times, I have witnessed two sexual harassment incidents which I think I handled poorly. Personally, I believe that the society has so much watered down harassment to the point where people don't even know when they are being sexually harassed. However, I hope the definition I provided has helped shape a better understanding.

The question is what do I do when I see this happen?
1. Speak up: Reading 'Everyday Sexism' by Laura Bates, I realised that most victims experience trauma when they are harassed in public and no one speaks up. It indirectly shames them and weakens their will.

2. Pay attention: Show signs that will let the aggressor know he/she is being watched. I remember catching a lecturer leer at another course mate and I waited till he made eye contact before glaring at him. Till date, I wonder what went through his mind when he realised I had been watching him.

3. Comfort: Let's be honest, not everyone has the courage to shout back and intimidate the aggressor. But you can help the victim by placating them, don't make a remark that blames them, if possible employ a method of getting their minds away from the horror temporarily.

4. Report: I learnt a lesson early in life that we all don't have the same access to justice. For example, you can happen to know a soldier, police or even the state police commissioner. You can know the workplace of the aggressor and his/her boss can even be your uncle. If you are certain of a channel through which the victim can get justice, lend your helping hand.

In summary, the world is too chaotic for disgusting acts like street harassment to continue. Be a changemaker by taking action each time. Be a source of strength to your neighbour.

5 Lies They Told You

"We all have the same 24 hours"

Do we really?  I think it's more appropriate to add that 'time is money'. This means that money can effectively buy time and lack of money can effectively lessen time. To give you an idea, think of that moment you decided to buy a washing machine instead of hand washing them every Saturday. The best advice is the one that tells you to grow your money so you could buy more time. 

"There's no money in it"

This statement is typically heard when a child tells the parent about the desire to pursue an unconventional career. The irony is that times have changed and a lot of parents are now taking back their words. Money is where it is. Rather than accept that there's no money in your field, look for where the money is in that field. 

"Passion is all you need"

Whenever anyone tells you this, just smile and let it go. In all your passion get skillfulness, diligence, commitment and hardwork. Passion alone cannot sustain you for long. I realised this when I started my internship journey at Amnesty International UK and the Masterclass sessions with Malala. So much work goes into policy and reform, passion for human rights is not enough.

"You can do it later"

Anytime procrastination wants to disguise, it does so in the most soothing and deceitful ways. Why later when you can do it now? Submit that application now. Get your PVC now. Plan your finances now. Travel. Read that book... 

"Everyone is doing it"

This is actually not quite true. Everyone might be into that business of yours but not everyone can do it like you. In fact, no one can. You are more unique than you give yourself credit for. 

For every human created, God expects a different reflection of Him everytime. So you see, you are well able to bring your uniqueness into everything you do to make it outstanding.

Review: Oprah + Viola Netflix Special

 The Oprah + Viola Netflix Special may just be my best interview of the year. Thought-provoking, insightful, authentic and wise words from Viola Davis. I'll share some of my favourites but before that I'll let you know if this interview is something you might find useful. If you fall in any of these categories, run to Netflix with all of your strength😅

1. Teachers 

Viola said "Teachers were my saviours" and I felt that statement down to my bones. Real goosebump moment. I feel teachers most times don't get the recognition they deserve....people in the education sector generally. Teachers play such a pivotal role in the upbringing of children and it should be discussed more often. If you are a teacher, you will feel all warm inside watching this interview.

2. Women

Need I say more? Two confident, successful women who have raised and are still raising the bar for women all over the world. I particularly loved the synergy between these women and the clear respect they had for each other. It really brings a new perspective into 'women supporting women' and I'm here for it!

3. Lovers of Annalise Keating

Viola Davis was the major face of the series 'How to Get Away with Murder' and she bodied that role! It turns out it was quite a journey for Viola too. 

4. Members of 'God when' Association 

Stories of Christian marriages make me smile and I smiled a lot. You'll also love this if you are a big advocate of Christian parenting.

5. Lovers of Memoirs and Biographies 

Viola's Book 'Finding Me' was the major theme of the interview and I think every lover of documentaries, Podcasts, blogs, vlogs and all would love this.

I'm looking forward to watching more interviews like this one in 2022. It's uplifting in a huge way and gives you hope. I also believe that 2022 has shown more than any other, year that there is no perfect being...even your favs are imperfect. So I'm more appreciative of authentic stories these days. Please drop recommendations if any come to mind.

My highlight was this statement Viola quoted;

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers." - Anne Lamott

Break the Bias

So I've always battled with a tender scalp. This means I feel excruciating pain when I make my hair or even as little as pack it up when it is undone.

For everytime the pain kept me up at night after making my hair, I would dream of cutting my hair and saying bye to the pain. That always stopped as a thought because I was afraid of looking ugly. So I became unconcerned with the state of my hair and was most times seen in a bandana because I dreaded the pain each time I needed to make my hair.
Years passed and I guess with the years came wisdom and confidence so this weekend with my brother and little cousins standing by my side and my mother and sister on a video call, I cut off the pain. I've never felt more beautiful to be honest.

Break the bias. This theme is for you.
For you who thinks you have to stick in that relationship even if you're facing pain, perhaps scared of being alone.
For you who has not applied for that scholarship because you think you'll not be picked anyways.
For you who struggles with accepting that you are precious, loved and powerful.

Break the bias. Shatter the glass ceilings. We'll be cheering you on.
Happy International Women's Day

A good day to call out News Agencies & Co.

It was a Sunday in May (2nd of May,2021 I think), after church service I was on Instagram trying to catch up happenings round the world. That was when my eyes suddenly caught a post made by Punch Newspaper. Lo and behold, it was the CCTV evidence tendered against Baba Ijesha confirming the sexual abuse of a minor.

I could not even play the video due to the tremor in my fingers. I was extremely shocked and devastated that the heartbreakingly disgusting video was released and there was no attempt to ease the trauma that young girl may have faced. Minutes later, the video was deleted but the video had been circulated to other platforms already.

Apart from the legal issues surrounding this incident, the lack of sensitivity towards the survivor who was a little girl genuinely crippled me and since then I watched Punch Newspaper and other media houses closely. I began to study the pattern of newspaper headlines especially towards gender based violence and was not surprised to observe 0% language sensitivity in some media platforms. Moving on to blogs and vlogs, the story is much worse and it will interest you to know that some of these platforms are run by women.

Media plays a strategic role in either curbing or promoting gender based violence. The Media, as subtle as it may be, has great influence on the way people think and how they respond to issues. We also have a role to play in adjusting the approach the media takes, after all, we are the audience. This has been the concern of UN Women and many other international bodies who have noticed the way gender based violence is being presented all over the world.

If you don't agree with this article, ask yourself why blogs casually threw the words 'rape and 'rapist' in the clash between Burna Boy and Shatte Wale. Some even added jokey emojis. Imagine if the accusation was murder, oh maybe that would have been taken more serious?