Stay Connected with the UN by bookmarking these sites

• United Nations Main Website: https://www.un.org
• UN News: https://news.un.org
• UN WebTV (live & on-demand): https://media.un.org/en/webtv
• UN Women: https://www.unwomen.org
• Sustainable Development Goals: (SDGs) https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• United Nations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/unitednations

To learn more or to get involved with NFBPWC’s United Nations efforts email: unchair@nfbpwc.org.

United Nations
Unchair@nfbpwc.org

Spring is finally here and those of us in the north are very happy about that.

BPW International hosted a wonderful Leader’s Summit in New York City on March 6 & 7th, led by PIP Liz Benham and Past NAC RC Dawne Williams. It was an excellent event with lots of opportunity for participants to interact and share and Liz and Dawne did a fantastic job. We had participation from members from Canada, St Kitts, USA and St Martin and they are prepared to share what they learned with their affiliates.

A gala dinner was held on March 7th to celebrate BPW International’s 95th anniversary year with a moving Candle lighting Ceremony. A special thank you goes out to IFBPW VP Membership Francesca Burack who arranged a new location for the 2026 Leader’s Summit and the Gala Dinner this year – they were both wonderful spaces we appreciate her hard work to put it all together.

CSW 70 (Commission on the Status of Women) at the UN took place from March 9 – 20, 2026. There was significant participation from BPW members around the world and work done to improve lives for women. Many NGO CSW Parallel Events were held during this time with participation of many members from NAC and they are to be commended for sharing their expertise.

BPW Listens – Your Voice Matters has now come to a close. I thank all of you that participated from the start – attending the meetings last fall so we could put together questions/input from the NAC region, being involved in the Pilot survey and those of you that completed the survey. A special thank you to our Ambassador Sandy Thompson who provided her knowledge and encouragement to affiliates to complete the survey.

Now the work begins to analyze the results and put together actions/projects/ programs to meet the needs of our members. Results will be shared once the team has had a chance to review them.

Our NAC conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is getting closer and I hope many of you have August 23 – 25, 2026 in your calendars. Everything you will need to know is on the website so please check it out – the link for our special hotel rates are posted there – each room has a view of either the Canadian or US Falls at a wonderful rate, considering it’s summertime in one of the busiest areas of the country.

Our NAC Young BPW Rep Deanza is putting together a great Young BPW Symposium for August 23rd (everyone is welcome), so I hope we will have a great turnout to support her and the Young BPW members. NAC 2026 Regional Conference- HOME - BPW Canada

I wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday time filled with meaning and happiness.

Karin Gorgerat Regional Coordinator BPW International
North America and the Caribbean
karin.gorgerat@bpw-international.or

Advocacy In Action: Lessons from CSW70

The biggest gender equity event of the year has come and gone. I trust you all had a fruitful CSW and were able to join events either in person or virtually. This was a historic year as CSW70 was the first in history to ever be concluded by a vote on the Agreed Conclusions.

There have been two years out of 70 in which there were no Agreed Conclusions, 2003 and 2012, but never before an adoption by vote. The vote was called by the United States which was the only country to vote no. The Agreed Conclusions were adopted - 37 in favor, 6 abstentions, 1 against.

Many experts, and government representatives alike, are concerned by this departure from adoption by consensus as it is seen to undermine multilateral cooperation. Many country delegates remarked their concern for lack of consensus during the closing session of CSW70.

As has been discussed before, CSW70 was also different in the way negotiations were handled. This was the first year that negotiations occurred prior to CSW, starting in November, and the Agreed Conclusions were adopted during the beginning. Traditionally, negotiations occur throughout the two weeks of CSW allowing civil society members to advocate for changes with their country representatives. This change was an outcome of the CSW Revitalization process and the desire to have a short, concise, action-oriented Agreed Conclusions document.

Despite the challenges to attain the document, the Agreed Conclusions did have notable wins including sustained and substantial funding for women’s issues, reparations for survivors and survivor-centered programs, and the first ever mention of women in detention in agreed conclusions.

You can read the entire document here.

I know the magazine will be featuring many people’s experiences from CSW, and I hope you enjoy reading them. CSW is an amazing time to be in community with fellow advocates, network, and gather inspiration - but now is when the work begins. NGO CSW/NY will be hosting their CSW debrief meeting on April 21st, I encourage you all to attend. IFBPW will also be hosting a CSW debrief, date and time TBD.

It has already been announced that the CSW71 priority theme will be focused on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and progress towards the SDGs. It is never too early to start planning for next year. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Emily VanVleck
National VP Advocacy
2024-2026
vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org

March is Women’s History Month. Not sure how we could celebrate that without remembering that BPW’s relationship with the United Nations is truly foundational.

Business and Professional Women was among the earliest nongovernment or-ganizations (NGOs) to secure consultative status with the United Nations. In doing so, they ensured the voices of working women were present in international con-versations about human rights, economic participation, and equality. Long before virtual participation was possible and long before global communications moved at the speed of light, BPW leaders engaged with the UN system.

They advocated.

They monitored policy.

BPW understood early on that global poli-cy shapes laws, economic opportunities, and the advancement of women. They knew it was critical that women have a seat at the discussions so that the reali-ties of women’s economic standings would be considered.

And most important of all, they contribut-ed the perspective of women in business and professions around the world.

It was intentional and vital.

And in 1945, before there was CSW.

Eleanor Roosevelt, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1946 to 1952.

Before there were gender equality resolutions.

Before there were annual and global recognitions.

There were women who refused to let the new United Nations be built without them.

Women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1946 to 1952. She was a key drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). She ensured the language reflected rights for women, not just men.

Hansa Jivraj Mehta was an Indian dele-gate to the UN Commission on Human Rights. She fought for the wording transi-tion from “All men are born free and equal” to “All HUMANS are …”

She understood the value of structure and the power of chang-ing just one word.

These are only two of the many women who fought for our place at the Unit-ed Nations. Something we are

United Nations Call to Action for March:

• Visit the UN Women website: https:// www.unwomen.org/en
• Explore one topic, program, or report. I suggest:
• • https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do
  • https://www.unwomen.org/en/ annual-report/2025
• Share one thing you’ve learned with an-other woman.

United Nations
Unchair@nfbpwc.org

Stay Connected with the UN by bookmarking these sites

• United Nations Main Website https://www.un.org
• UN News https://news.un.org
• UN WebTV (live & on-demand) https://media.un.org/en/webtvhttps://media.un.org/en/webtv
• UN Women https://www.unwomen.org
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• United Nations on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitednations

To learn more or to get involved with NFBPWC’s United Nations efforts email: unchair@nfbpwc.org.

For information please email international@nfbpwc.org

Larisa B. Miller
Chair International Relations
international@nfbpwc.org

CSW70: Participating Virtually or Observationally

Participating in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) does not require travel to New York City to be valuable. Many members engage effectively through virtual means and observational learning, particularly when the goal is understanding how global policy discussions work.

So how can you participate?

Review the CSW Priority Theme

Every year, CSW is focused on a specific topic, called the Priority Theme. Review the theme and the background materials and determine how it connects with your interests or committee work. This helps define the context and scope of your participation.

Decide How You Will Engage

Most virtual CSW participation will be watching online sessions or reviewing statements, reports, and outcomes. Some members attend selected live events, while others follow the process more broadly through summaries and recordings. Both are useful approaches.

Set Expectations and Purpose

These events are best approached as a learning experience. You can watch sessions, take notes, and track themes and language in addition to engaging in real-time discussion. Be clear about what 

you hope to gain and keep yourself open to learning so much more.

CSW Call to Action for March:

If you are considering virtual or observational participation this year, you cam start by

• Reviewing the CSW priority theme and related materials
• Deciding what level of engagement fits your time and goals
• Learning more about

CSW70: https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw70-2026

And NGO CSW New York:

https://ngocsw.org/

We are looking forward to hearing what you get out of this significant event.

Commission on the status of women
csw@nfbpwc.org

Empowered Women Empower Women—Be Part of the Continuum.

A February Call to Learn

For many, March is the one time when we direct our attention more fully on the United Nations because of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) event. But there is so much more to the United Nations for us than that.

February is a great opportunity to slow down and focus on learning. NFBPWC members are encouraged to find time this month to explore the UN Women website.

UN Women focuses on many issues that we care about. Things like safety, education, and economic opportunities, and the approach is global. The UN Women website overflows with information that crosses regions and cultures, and it is supported by research, data, and long-term initiatives.

United Nations Call to Action for February:

• Visit the UN Women website.
• Explore one topic, program, or report. I suggest: What We Do and the 2025 Annual Report.
• Share one thing you’ve learned with another woman – NFPWC member or not.

United Nations
Unchair@nfbpwc.org

Stay Connected with the UN by bookmarking these sites

• United Nations Main Website https://www.un.org
• UN News https://news.un.org
• UN WebTV (live & on-demand) https://media.un.org/en/webtv
• UN Women https://www.unwomen.org
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• United Nations on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitednations

To learn more or to get involved with NFBPWC’s United Nations efforts email: unchair@nfbpwc.org.

In my part of Canada, we are deep in the throws of winter – lots of snow and some extreme cold weather. I envy those of you in warmer climates!

Work on the BPW International Mem-ber Survey is coming along very well and by the time you are reading this you may have received the link to complete it.

I hope you will all take a few minutes of your precious time to complete it – the re-sults will provide the International Execu-tive with a road map to identifying ways to improve our member experience. Look for it in your in box: BPW Listens – Your Voice Matters

Plans for the North America and Caribbean Regional Conference are coming together very well. From August 23rd through 25th, Ni-agara Falls, Ontario, Canada will welcome you!

We have a wonderful line-up of speakers planned to Inspire, Innovate, Empower, and Transform us, and workshops that will give us tools to take back to our personal, professional, and BPW lives so we can To-gether Shape a Sustainable Future.

The website should be launched by the time you are reading this so you have easy access to everything needed to reg-ister for the conference, book a hotel, arrange an airport shuttle, pre-plan explora-tions of local tourist attrac-tions, and more.

Visit the Conference Page: https://bpwcanada.com/nac-conference/

I hope that many of you have added the conference to your calendars – and that you will bring your family – Niagara Falls is beautiful and has a lot to offer every-one!

We have had to change the date for our 2nd Regional Leadership Webinar: Succession Planning that Lasts – Building the Next Generation. It will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 PM EDT, hosted by our training coordinator Sujata Tiwari.

Pre-register here.

I hope to see many of you there. We all need to think of succession planning with-in our clubs and this webinar will give us tools to do that.

Karin Gorgerat
Regional Coordinator BPW International
North America and the Caribbean
karin.gorgerat@bpwinternational.org

For information please email international@nfbpwc.org

Larisa B. Miller
Chair International Relations
international@nfbpwc.org

What is the Commission on the Status of Women?

Every month, we have an article about the Commission on the Status of women (CSW). This month, we have several. Why? Because the 70th annual UN CSW is coming up, and, as it is every year, NFBPWC is part of it.

Our UN CSW 70 parallel event takes place on Monday, March 16th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM EDT in the Salvation Army auditorium. You can attend in person or virtually.

According to the UN CSW webpage, the CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established by ECOSOC resolution 11(II) on June 21, 1946.

The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls' rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

In 1996, resolution 1996/6 expanded the Commission’s mandate and decided that it should take a leading role in monitoring and reviewing progress and problems in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and in mainstreaming a gender perspective in UN activities.

During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations such as NFBPWC, and UN entities gather at UN headquarters in New York. They discuss progress and gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the key global policy document on gender equality, and the 23rd special session of the General Assembly, which was held in 2000 (Beijing+5), as well as any emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Member States agree on further actions to accelerate progress and promote women’s and girls' enjoyment of their rights in political, economic, and social fields. The outcomes and recommendations of each session are forwarded to ECOSOC for follow-up.

Justice for Women: Join us In-Person or Virtually

Justice for Women: Resistance, Survival, and Action – Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls will bring survivor-centered justice conversations to the heart of CSW 70, and NFBPWC members are warmly invited to attend.

Co-hosted by Pacific Women’s Watch New Zealand and the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) and chaired by BPW leader Dr. Sujata Tiwari, this event aligns directly with CSW 70’s priority theme: Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls.

Why Attend?

This panel goes beyond policy language to spotlight the real experiences of women who have sought justice for gender-based violence and encountered community silence, institutional bias, and judicial failure.

Panelists from multiple regions will share:

Who Will Be Speaking?

The panel brings together women leaders and advocates from the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and South America, including:

Moderated by Nermin K. Ahmad, Secretary of NFBPWC (2024–2026), the discussion will be survivor-centered, solutions-focused, and action-oriented.

Attend in-person or join from anywhere! In New York for CSW?

We encourage you to join us in person at the Salvation Army Auditorium.

Not traveling to NYC?

You are equally welcome to participate virtually, hear the discussion, and engage from wherever you are.

No prior UN experience is required.

This event is designed to be accessible, informative, and welcoming, especially for BPW members who are new to CSW or UN advocacy.

Be Part of the Conversation

The event will conclude with a clear call to action, and recommendations from the panel will be shared with UN Women and CSW delegates. Your participation—whether in the room or online—helps amplify survivor voices and strengthens the call for justice that works for women and girls. We hope you will join us—

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) remains the foremost global convening on gender equality, bringing together governments, civil society, and advocates from around the world to shape policy, share best practices, and drive collective action. Participation—both in-person and online—is not only possible but strongly encouraged.

As we approach CSW, members are invited to engage in the following key moments and capacity-building opportunities hosted by NGO CSW:

• February 17: CSW Participant Training A preparatory session designed to help participants navigate CSW processes, understand advocacy entry points, and engage effectively.
• February 27: CSW Orientation. An overview of CSW structure, priorities, and opportunities for civil society engagement, ideal for both first-time and returning participants.
• March 8: Virtual Consultation Day. A fully-virtual opportunity to engage with

global advocates, exchange strategies, and contribute to policy discussions from anywhere in the world.

To register for these events go to:

https://ngocsw.org/events/

The official CSW outcome document will outline global commitments and policy priorities on gender equality and women’s empowerment. It can be found on the UN Women website.

CSW is a critical space for advancing gender equality at the global level, and meaningful participation does not require travel. Online engagement allows advocates to learn, connect, and influence outcomes while amplifying diverse voices across regions and communities.

Members are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to stay informed, build advocacy capacity, and contribute to global gender-equality efforts.

Submitted by Emily VanVleck