By: Susan O’Malley
IFBPWC UN Representative (Editor)

His Excellency Ivan Simonovic, Ambassador of Croatia to the UN, Calls for an Optional Protocol

On November 25, 2024, during the UN High-level meeting to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Croatia called for examining the need for a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW.

His Excellency Ivan Šimonović, Ambassador of Croatia to the United Nations in New  York, opened his remarks by commenting on the need to evaluate the strength of the current framework on violence against women and girls. He offered an overview of progress, from the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and CEDAW general recommendations on violence against women and girls.

“Now,” he said, “we need to examine the need for the optional protocol to CEDAW on Violence against Women, as called for by the past and current UN special rapporteurs on violence against women, in their joint statement.

The ambassador also called for upgrading and accelerating the Beijing Platform for Action and revitalizing the UN Commission on the Status of Women with a comprehensive mandate that works in partnership with civil society.

By: Larisa B. Miller
NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org

Reflections on the BPW International Triennial Congress

Attending the BPW International Triennial Congress in St. Kitts-Nevis was a vivid reminder of the power and importance of cross-border collaboration and connecting with our global BPW family. Through advocacy, business, knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, the Congress highlighted how we can strengthen our collective impact as BPW sisters.

While the Congress wasn’t without its challenges—debates, disagreements, and discussions are inevitable in a truly global organization—these moments are essential to achieving consensus and driving progress. These gatherings, whether regional conferences, national congresses, or the triennial Congress, are invaluable. They offer the chance to listen, learn, express viewpoints, and expand our perspectives by engaging with members from around the world.

Global interaction at Congresses like this broadens our horizons, deepening our understanding of the needs, successes, and opportunities present in other cultures. It inspires fresh ideas and innovative solutions to challenges we face both individually and collectively. Perhaps most importantly, it fosters friendships and strengthens our global network, a cornerstone of BPW’s success.

I encourage every member to actively reach out to sisters from other clubs around the world. Create joint projects that address shared goals, explore twinning opportunities with other clubs, and leverage these relationships to amplify your advocacy and impact. Together, we are stronger, and through collaboration, we can achieve meaningful change.

As we move forward, I’m delighted to announce that our Global Oasis, a virtual meeting space for BPW sisters worldwide, will resume in January with a compelling topic for discussion. This initiative is a chance to continue these vital conversations and collaborations between Congresses. Stay tuned for more details, and let’s continue to embrace the spirit of global sisterhood that defines our BPW community!

MEET YOUR NEW INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVES

The BPW International Triennium Theme (2024-2027) is: Innovate, Inspire, Empower, Transform –

Together We can Shape a Sustainable Future NFBPWC-USA headed to St. Kitts with a plan.

President - Diana Barragan (BPW Peru)

1st VP (UN) - Neelima Basnet (BPW UK)

2nd VP (Membership) - Francesca Burack (BPW USA) Executive Secretary - Carolyn Savage (BPW New Zealand) Executive Finance Officer - Gudrun Jakobsdottir (BPW Iceland) Young BPW Representative - Izadora Lechacoski (BPW Brazil) Immediate Past President – Dr. Catherine Bosshart

Africa Regional Coordinator - Bertiller Massawe (BPW Tanzania) Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator - Herlin Chien (BPW Taiwan) Europe Regional Coordinator - Anu Viks (BPW Estonia)

Latin America Regional Coordinator - Olga Ahumada (BPW Argentina) North America & Caribbean Regional Coordinator - Karin Gorgerat (BPW Canada)

We spent months as a region, getting mentally prepared for the work that lay ahead. But there’s more to the Congress than elections and updates to our governance.

Here’s where we meet new friends, greet those friends we only know virtually and build relationships that extend beyond borders. USA showed up in style and with a plan.

Sunday, we paid homage to our suffragette sisters by donning our whites and our National scarf.

Monday was Rosie Day. We wore blue and donned our Rosie the Rivetter headbands.

Tuesday was Red and READY!

More to come on the website and Facebook!

Now is the time for us to embrace our new friends, our revitalized relationships and move the needle forward on this wonderful organization.

By: Susan O’Malley
IFBPWC UN Representative

Information on CSW69 (10 March - 21 March 2025) at UN Headquarters, NY

1. CSW69 is the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and Adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

2. Representatives of Member States, UN entities   (UN Women is an UN entity), and ECOSO accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) numbering in the thousands from all regions of the world will attend to work together to assess the progress and lack of progress achieved by the Beijing Platform of Action in the last 30 years. [The problem: although the Beijing Platform of Action is an excellent transformative document, it is 30 years old and is not always relevant to today and is not legally binding.] A document will be produced by the Member States with NGOs trying to influence the contents.

3. If you Google “UN Women/CSW69,” you can find the National Reports from most of the Member States. (The US report has not been posted yet.) Reports from all of the ECOSOC Accredited NGOs, including IFBPW, will be posted as soon as UN Women finishes editing them. Their website is an excellent source of information. Do consult it.

4. Across the street from the UN in the Church Center NGOs present Parallel Events on the CSW69 theme. If you are applying to present a Parallel Event, either in person or on Zoom, do it as soon as possible. Google NGO CSW69 Forum Parallel Events Applications to apply.

In-Person Events: Deadline is 25 November. Two to three or more NGOs need to collaborate together because there are not enough available rooms. The cost is $400/$500 depending on size of room.

Virtual Events: Deadline is 2 December. The cost is $100.

Do email me if you have questions: susanomalley4@gmail.com

By: Larisa B. Miller, NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org

Standing Strong Together: A Call to Action for BPW Women

As the International Liaison for the NFBPWC, I feel a deep sense of urgency as we move toward one of the most pivotal election days in modern history. The outcomes of this election will reverberate across the globe, shaping policies, rights, and opportunities for women

everywhere. It is a time of great uncertainty, but also one of immense possibility—an opportunity for us to make our collective voices heard and to influence the direction of progress.

Today, more than ever, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the rights we have fought so tirelessly to secure face new challenges and threats. It is in this moment that we must come together, shoulder to shoulder, in unwavering solidarity to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear across the globe.

The concerning trend of regressing women's rights should be a clarion call for all of us. Our hard-won rights— secured through the efforts, sacrifices, and relentless advocacy of women who came before us—are not guaranteed, and voting to preserve our rights is our responsibility. What happens in one corner of the world – positively or negatively, impacts us all, as the erosion of rights in any region is a reminder that our work is never complete. We must recognize that what affects one of us affects all of us, regardless of our ethnicity, religious affiliation, education level or socioeconomic standing. This is our moment to come together, to reassert our commitment to the values of equality, opportunity, and justice.

Yet, while we stand united in our advocacy, we must also recognize the power within our own ranks. Sometimes, we must be the architects of our own opportunities. Whether it’s breaking glass ceilings in corporate spaces, founding and building new businesses, or pushing for change in our communities, we have the ability—and indeed, the obligation—to pave the way for each other.

This is the time for us to create pathways for growth, promotion, and opportunity not just for ourselves but for each other. Let us focus on mentoring one another, sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences to empower the next generation of BPW leaders. It is through collaboration, rather than competition, that we will achieve the greatest outcomes. We must strive to build relationships that bridge gaps across borders, connecting our chapters in meaningful ways to share resources, expertise, and support.

Through our combined efforts, we can build a global network that not only addresses the challenges we face today but also creates a foundation of strength and unity for the future. Let’s work collectively to ensure that our BPW chapters are spaces where innovation thrives, where women support women, and where our collective voice becomes a powerful force for positive change.

Our strength lies in our unity, and our power lies in our unified voice. Together, we can continue the work of those who came before us, ensuring that the future is more secure, stable and economically accessible for generations of women to come. Now is the time to stand strong, to speak out, and to support one another in every possible way. Because when we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. And remember, your vote is OUR voice.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place  every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive.

This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect with members from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime and we encourage all members to consider attending this event.

Link for more information:

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/

By: Larisa B. Miller, NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org 

The Power of Global Collaboration Among Business and Professional  Women In a world that is increasingly interconnected, our understanding of success as business and  professional women must evolve beyond local and national boundaries. We often limit  ourselves because of preconceived notions we have about doing business in different  countries and cultures, missing out on the  

immense opportunities that global collaboration can offer. If we take the time to truly get to know our counterparts in other regions—learning their business etiquette, forging friendships, and exploring potential partnerships—we can redefine success in ways that resonate universally. 

One of the first steps in this journey is to immerse ourselves  in the business culture of a new region. Whether through research or direct interaction, understanding the unique customs and practices of different countries can open doors to meaningful connections. This knowledge is not just about etiquette; it’s  about respect and recognition of the diverse ways in which business is conducted around the world. With a  myriad of language apps, learn a few words of salutation and thanks; connect with women in similar industries  and sectors and spend some time getting to know them; and research government structures – you may be  surprised at the type of leaders (and how many women) other countries have in leadership. For instance, did  you know that the UAE has a Minister of Happiness? Minister of Youth? Minister of Tolerance? Seventy (70%)  of university graduates in the UAE are women (UAE Government Portal, 2023). In Rwanda, a global leader in  gender equality, particularly in government, 60% of parliamentary seats are held by women, and 42% of all  businesses are owned by women (World Bank, 2022). Germany has seen a rise in female entrepreneurship, with  women founding nearly 40% of new startups in the last few years, as noted in the 2023 Women in Business report  by Grant Thornton. Women in Australia hold approximately 32% of board seats, one of the highest proportions  globally. Interestingly, in the past decade, female-owned businesses have grown by 46%, compared to a 27% growth rate for male-owned businesses, indicating a strong surge in female entrepreneurship (Workplace Gender Equity Agency, 2023). 

Social media platforms are invaluable in forging global connections. By actively engaging with women entrepreneurs and professionals across the world, we can cultivate relationships that go beyond mere networking, transcending borders and cultural divides. 

These connections often blossom into enduring friendships, built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, which are crucial for meaningful collaboration. Through these relationships, we can mentor one another, share valuable insights, and create powerful partnerships that enable our businesses not just to survive, but to  flourish on a global scale. 

The benefits of such global collaboration are multifaceted. By exploring ways in which our businesses can  collaborate—or even learn from—competitive enterprises in other parts of the world, we position ourselves to  tap into stronger supply chains, foster greater innovation, and expand our networks of potential partners and  clients. This global mindset enables us to think beyond small, incremental growth. Instead, we can embrace the  idea that the world is our oyster, full of possibilities waiting to be explored. 

However, this journey is not one we can undertake alone. It requires a collective effort, where we come together  as a global community of business and professional women, united by our shared goals and aspirations. By  setting aside our differences and focusing on our common strengths, we can define new levels of success that will  become universal pillars for everyone. The future of business is global, and together, we are the solution. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?  

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive. This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.  

Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect with members from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime and we encourage all members to consider attending this event.  

Link for more information:  

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/

By: Susan O’Malley IFBPWC UN Representative  

What’s Happening at the UN? 

The following article will briefly outline what is happening at the UN in September and October 2024. Feel free to email me with your questions:

susanomalley4@gmail.com. Do take a look at UN TV. (Google it!) Many UN sessions are broadcast on UN TV. And apologies for the language of the UN which can be boring and flat. 

The 79th session of the United Nations General  Assembly (UNGA) will take place  from Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to Tuesday, September 24, 2024, in New York City.  The session will open at 3 PM local time. The general debate will take place from 

Tuesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 28, and on Monday, September 30. The theme for the 2024 General  Assembly is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human  dignity for present and future generations". The IFBPW usually gets 2 tickets to the events. Leaders of many countries  attend the opening meetings and speak. 

The Summit of the Future will take place on September 22-23 at the UN in New York City before the General  Assembly 

The Sustainable Development Goals are badly off track. The aim of the Summit is twofold:  

• accelerate efforts to meet our existing international commitments, and  

• take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. 

This will be achieved through an action-oriented outcome document called the Pact for the Future which will be  negotiated and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit in September 2024. The result  will be a world – and an international system – that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and  in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations. The Summit of the Future will create the  conditions in which implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can more readily be  achieved. It will do so by building on the outcome of the 2023 SDG Summit The Sustainable Development Goals.  Note that this is an implementation document, not a policy statement. The UN has always been better at  negotiating policy but not implementing it. 

By: Larisa B. Miller
NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026),  international@nfbpwc.org 

Leading Through Uncertainty: BPW’s Role in Shaping a Global Future 

In today's world of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, our role as members of  the National Federation of Business and Professional Women Clubs (NFBPWC) has never  been more crucial. We stand at a critical juncture, where our leadership can influence not just  the future of women in business, but also the global economy and societal progress. 

The challenges we face are significant. Geopolitical shifts are redefining international relations, and economic  instability is straining businesses worldwide. Supply chains are disrupted, and markets have become  unpredictable. In such a landscape, it's tempting to retreat into familiar patterns, clinging to biases and beliefs.  However, if we are to thrive, we must intentionally unite, set aside these barriers, and forge new relationships  that transcend borders, cultures, and ideologies. 

As BPW members in the United States and around the world, we have a collective responsibility to lead the  charge for women in business. We must be the catalysts for change, demonstrating that women are not just  participants but key innovators and shapers of the future. This goes beyond advancing our own careers; it's  about using our influence to uplift those who have been marginalized, particularly the over 400 million women  living in poverty globally. 

These women, often voiceless and overlooked, have the potential to drive extraordinary change. With the right  knowledge, tools, and resources, they could break the cycle of poverty, build thriving businesses, and contribute  to the global economy's stability and growth. The impact would be transformative, reshaping markets,  strengthening supply chains, and fostering a more equitable global economy.

But this vision requires action from us. We must be the ones to reshape business practices and create opportunities for collaboration that cross traditional boundaries. Our collective voice must be strong, advocating for greater access to capital and opportunities for women everywhere. We need to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential, showing that inclusivity and diversity are not just ideals, but essentials for sustainable business and economic growth. As BPW members, we are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. Our organization has a rich history of championing women's rights and economic empowerment. Now is the time to build on that legacy. By uniting with purpose,  we can navigate current uncertainties and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future. 

Together, let’s rise to the occasion and show the world what is possible when women lead with courage and  conviction.

The first Global Oasis was held on August 10th via Zoom. With over 40 registered, it was well attended and a  lively program. We welcomed members from Ireland and Canada, Cyprus and St. Kitts, UK and many of our  US members as well.  

Those who attended – did not arrive knowing each other very well, but all left as friends and better as colleagues,  inspired by the questions posed and the action-provoking conversations.  

As with all the best events – the big question on everyone’s mind was “when will we do this again?” STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT DATE AT THE OASIS! 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?  

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive.This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect withmembers from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime, and we encourage all members to consider attending this event. Link for more information:  

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/

By: Francesca Burack
BPW International Committee Chair 

Join Us on September 14, 2024 for Mastering Intergenerational 

Communication Presented by BPW’s Development, Training and Employment Standing Committee Team 

One of the most important skills to develop is one’s ability to effectively communicate with everyone regardless  of generational bias in the workplace and life. This interactive webinar with breakout groups for discussion  focuses on the different communication styles, social, cultural and economic influences, technological impact and  tools and takeaways to implement immediately for communicating with each generation.  

OR 

One of the most important skills you can develop to be successful is your ability to communicate across  intergenerational lines.  

In today’s workplace, four generations with different attitudes toward work, different communication styles and  different values must find ways to work together to be successful and get along. 

This is an interactive webinar that explores communication styles, preferences, and expectations across different  generations. 

It also includes prerecorded role plays, breakout discussion groups, and tools to implement immediately to help  you navigate the generational divide. 

Date: September 24, 2024 

Time: 12:00 UTC 

Location: Virtual

By: Dr. Catherine Bosshart, BPW International President (2021-2024) 

(Source:  April 1, 2024 Email) 

Dear BPW Presidents 

Dear Members 

Our first newsletter of the year 2024 is only now being published - our small team has been overwhelmed with work and has had to put the Newsletter on the back burner. We are now pleased to inform you with a Special Edition about what has been going on at BPW International. 

Today, in this Special Edition of WITH Women’s Entrepreneurship & Trade, we 

are highlighting our new Memorandum of Understanding MoU with UN Women, which will be a milestone in our future work. This partnership agreement focuses on promoting the economic participation of women. To be specific, we want to become the first international women's organization with a global network of start-up centers for female entrepreneurship, managed by our local clubs. 

Be inspired by these plans and join us as our advocacy program evolves in concrete terms. 

With all my best wishes and the knowledge that we can achieve a lot for the advancement and empowerment of Women. 

WITH Women’s Entrepreneurship & Trade 

A key factor for women's economic independence and prosperity is access to finance. We are aware that women face difficulties in accessing finance for growing their businesses. 

I am pleased to announce that BPW International has just signed a GLOBAL partnership agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding MoU with UN Women for the coming years. Global means that wherever we have clubs, we will be a partner and key player in working with UN Women on the ground. The content of the partnership agreement relates to WITH Women’s Entrepreneurship & Trade. 

 

Signers of the MoU, here in New York, March 2024: Dr Catherine Bosshart, BPW International President 2021-2024, and Sarah Hendriks, UN Women Executive Director a.i. 

This partnership agreement focuses on the promotion of women's economic empowerment and is in line with Sustainable Development Goal SDG #5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 

Specifically, we want to establish the first network of business incubators and start-up centers with a genderspecific dimension. We will thus be the first international women's organisation with a global network of startup centers for female entrepreneurs, each managed by our clubs. 

 

UN, March 2024 - Working on Fundraising: Hadia Gondji and Catherine Bosshart with Dr. Josianne Ougadogo, Burkina Faso, and 

Meral Guzel, Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator at UN Women 

Business Incubators and Start-up Centers 

In the first six months, a train-the-trainer program based on the GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) program will be implemented to train women entrepreneurs, members of BPW, to become professional coaches (with certification). They will then work with the women on site and support them with the topics they need, be it accounting, marketing, language, or dealing with banks and other investors. 

Donors 

To achieve this, the partnership agreement proposes to leverage partnerships with multiple donors to set up specific support solutions, including coaching and mentoring programs, with a focus on improving the trading capacity of women-owned SMEs. 

 

New York at the UN, March 2024, Working on Fundraising - With Meral Guzel (left), Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator at UN Women, and Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, UN Coordinator for Sierra Leone 

In concrete terms, this means that in a first phase with investors, we are targeting an initial fundraising of USD 3.3 to 4.9 million to support the establishment and development of women's business centers in strategic locations around the world where UN Women and BPW Federations or Clubs are present. 

In order to strengthen this fundraising campaign, BPW International will now also negotiate directly with the UN Women headquarters in New York for GLOBAL funds with large institutions such as the World Bank. We are thinking of framework agreements worth several million US$ to strengthen this strategy and to be able to make a financial contribution to projects via BPW International for BPW Federations or Clubs that do not have sufficient funds for their programs. 

 

Senegal, October 2023 - Start of the pilot program in Senegal with Philippe Lambert, Helena Ruiz, UN Women Regional Coordinator in Dakar, Senegal, and Dr. Catherine Bosshart 

If a BPW Federation or a Club is interested in a program to establish a business incubator for women entrepreneurs, it can contact UN Women's regional and national offices through this Memorandum of Understanding. The partnership with UN Women facilitates collaboration with other UN agencies or international donors to set up a program. BPW Clubs will also not have to wait for calls for proposals or go through a selection process. 

How to proceed 

For now, we have agreed to launch a pilot program across West and Central Africa. 

At the moment, three pilot programs for the establishment of business incubators in the region have been launched: one was proposed by UN Women in Sierra Leone in cooperation with our club in Freetown, other projects in Niamey in Niger and in Kinshasa, RD Congo. More projects are on the agenda (currently over 16) for other countries in the region where there is a UN Women office. 

 

Women Entrepreneurship Expo 2024 

Another important goal is to contribute to the organization of the Women Entrepreneurship Expo. This is a program launched and financed by UN Women, for which the women's business centers form the basis. 

The Memorandum of Understanding also provides for the Expo 2024 to be held in Africa, and for women entrepreneurs in trade to be the focus of the Expo. BPW International will thus become one of UN Women's most important partners in the organization of the Expo, alongside ITC, ILO, and UNDP. 

Expo 2024 will therefore seek to leverage the results, achievements and impact of the new start-up centers and womenspecific programs to accelerate women entrepreneurs' access to trade, with a particular focus on the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): a great opportunity to promote women's trade. 

The organisation of the Women 

Entrepreneurship Expo 2024 will build on the experience of the three previous editions, which each time brought together over 50 countries on multilingual platforms and mobilized hundreds of women entrepreneurs. Each year, there are more than 100 stands of women entrepreneurs, attracting several thousand visits over three days, more than 300 face-to-face meetings and networking events and hundreds of networking requests. 

With this partnership agreement, all BPW Clubs and Federations become key players in the Women Entrepreneurship Expo. 

 

New York, March 2024 - Working on Fundraising: Hadia Gondji, RC Africa, Dr. Catherine Bosshart, Consultants Philippe Lambert, and Tewodros Yilma 

Conclusion 

Finally, I would like to remind you that this partnership agreement with UN Women relating to WITH Women’s Entrepreneurship & Trade applies to all BPW Federations and Clubs worldwide as of today. 

You can download theMemorandum of Understanding MoU with UN Womenhere, and we will set up a team to coordinate this new dynamic. 

If you have a question about this project and require further information, please contact me.

By: Susan O’Malley, IFBPWC UN Representative NGO CSW/NY, Chair ex officio  Professor Emerita, City University of New York 

 UNChair@nfbpwc.orgsusanomalley4@gmail.com  

RE: Oral Statement during the CSW68 General Discussion, 

Widows for Peace Through Democracy. Margaret Owen, 

President, read by Susan O’Malley, UN Representative IFBPW 

19 March 2024, UN Conference Room 4 

If we are serious about reducing poverty, we must address the extreme poverty of uncounted millions of the world’s widows, since it is their poverty that is a root cause of 

extending and expanding poverty down through the generations, impacting negatively on their children’s futures. Extreme poverty and inequalities are the fuel of conflicts and instability and frustrate efforts towards peace. Armed conflicts cause women to suffer most, especially those who are widowed.  

There is no hope of achieving the SDGS, if we continue to ignore the status of widows. Widowhood is the most neglected of human rights and gender issues and has rarely been mentioned in the CSW Agreed Conclusions. (Currently Rev 2 for CSW68 does mention widows with “single, divorced women” on page 25!) Widows are of all ages, from child widows to young mothers, and elderly grandmothers; (we must dispel the myth that widows are mainly elderly women, supported lovingly by their families).  Especially in the global south and in conflictafflicted countries, widows remain uncounted and their voices unheard. Nor is attention paid to uncounted “halfwidows” (the wives of the missing, or forcibly disappeared) whose lives may be even more wretched than those of formal widows, since there is no closure for them; they live in legal limbo.  

The number of widows worldwide is increasing exponentially, due to unsolved armed conflicts, genocides, civil wars, terrorism, natural disasters, the earlier mortality of males over females, and the fact that many women are married to older men. Also, COVID 19 created manymore widows since the pandemic tended to kill more men thanwomen. It is essential that data on widows is disaggregated to include “age” and “marital status”.  

Member States need to work with widows’ associations to register widows, record their circumstances and needs, ensure that they are given social protections, such as pensions, shelter, food, and that their children are educated, and that they enjoy support for their societal roles, including representation in relevant decision-making bodies.  

Across a wide spectrum of cultures, religions, ethnicities, especially in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, widows’ lives are determined not by modern domestic laws, nor international ones, but by deeply enshrined patriarchal interpretations of religion and customs.  

These dehumanize and stigmatize widows, and deny them their basic human rights to inheritance, land and property ownership, access to credit, to mobility, and decent employment. They may be subjected to appalling harmful traditional practices. Widows are often “chased off” from their homesteads, if not forced into marriage with the dead husband’s brother. They may be subject to the sexual torture of “ritual cleansing”, and if elderly, may be stoned to death as witches. Impoverished widows, made homeless, are vulnerable to many forms of economic and sexual exploitation, abandoned without the education or training to obtaindecent work.  

Research has shown that their poverty is a key driver of widows’ withdrawing their daughters from school, giving, or selling them into child marriage to older men or into the clutches of traffickers.  These young girls are fated to become child widows, vulnerable to further exploitation and abuse.  

The 2030 agenda speaks about leaving no women “left behind”. But millions of uncounted widows, of all ages, as well as “half widows” are left behind. I have been trying to get widowhood on the agenda of the CSW for over 30 years since our first international workshop on widows at the 1995 Beijing Fourth World Women’s Conference. The good news is that two years ago the GA adopted a Resolution on Addressing the Situation of Widows, Res.76 but will it be implemented? Not unless there is funding for widows’ NGOs so they may take advantage of this Resolution and urge accountability from their governments.  

Surely the desperate poverty faced by widows is a call to the Human Rights Council to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Widowhood, and for UN Women to establish a special desk for this scandalously neglected aspect of the feminization of poverty. This indifference cannot continue.