Pax Lodge Staff Represents WAGGGS at the Commission on the Status of Women

Six delegates are representing the World Association of Girl Guides and Girls at the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women: Rachel Harris (New Zealand), Elizabeth Ann Fricker (UK), Nefeli Themeli (Greece), Susanna Michele Matters (Australia), María José Proaño Ordonez (Ecuador) and I-Ling Lin (Taiwan). Nefeli Themeli is currently Pax Lodge's Assistant Programme Manager.

Delegates will be supported by WAGGGS UN team members Anita Thomas, Diane Paravazian, Pat Scharlin, Mary-Jane Meconi, Francesca Socolick and 10 Girl Scouts from Connecticut and Vermont.

The inequality of girls and young women leads to their being disproportionately burdened by many of the issues affecting humankind. Yet we know that policies, programmes and investments made in girls have the greatest return, as girls magnify the effect throughout their communities. Despite the recognition of inequality, despite the evidence that empowering girls is good for everyone, and despite the promises and commitments made by governments over the decades, many girls remain marginalised, unvalued, exploited and at risk. Direct investment in girls is miniscule and development policies remain focused on technical, technological and economic solutions.

The WAGGGS delegation will be lobbying to change this. They will approach country delegations at the CSW and work with UN agencies, other NGOs, NGO committees and caucuses to make sure the girl child is the centre of attention when deciding policies and programmes.

Delegates in action

WAGGGS has published a written statement on the main theme for this year, emphasizing that the girl child must be at the centre of efforts to implement the Beijing Platform for Action. You can download the full document.

In addition, WAGGGS will run a panel on non-formal education ‘A century of empowering girls through non-formal education’ on 4 March. We will share with guests and experts the experience and expertise on how to help girls and young women to develop their fullest potential.

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