Implementing the Beijing Platform for Action

The fifty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women is taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 20 March 2015. Representatives of Member States , UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs)  from all regions of the world attend the session. At the Fourth World Conference of Women in 1995 the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was developed.  Twenty years on from this declaration the main focus of CSW59 will be to review the implementation of this declaration and the challenges that affect its implementation. CSW59 will also address opportunities for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women in the post-2015 development agenda.

For more information visit the CSW59 Website or Facebook page.

International women’s Day 2015

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year.  It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. The 2015 theme for International Women’s Day is Empowering Women,  Empowering Humanity: Picture It. The theme invites us to envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.

In his message for International Women’s Day 2015 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon stated: “This is a vital year for advancing the cause of women’s human rights.  The international community is hard at work on establishing a new sustainable development agenda that will build on the Millennium Development Goals and shape policies and social investments for the next generation.  To be truly transformative, the post-2015 development agenda must prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.  The world will never realize 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realize their full potential.  When we unleash the power of women, we can secure the future for all.”

In 2015, International Women’s Day will highlight the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments 20 years ago that sets the agenda for realizing women’s rights. While there have been many achievements since then, many serious gaps remain. This is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part.

Can’t Find Them?

Join ACRATH and STOP THE TRAFFIK in asking Coles and Woolworths to double the number of certified Easter products they sell next year. They will start ordering Easter Eggs for 2016 very soon, so it’s urgent that they hear from you today. Order your cards today at www.stopthetraffik.com.au or download a copy of the card here.  Take them into your local supermarket during your weekly shop. Your efforts could help to bring about an end to child slavery in the cocoa industry.

Looking for certified Easter Eggs in 2015?  Download a copy of the Good Egg Guide here.