United Nations Consultative Status
In 2018 GB International gained special consultative status to the United Nation’s Committee on the Status of Women (UNCSW).
Special consultative status is granted to Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), like Girls’ Brigade International, which have a special competence in, and are concerned specifically with, a few of the fields of activity covered by the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs. For Girl’s Brigade International this was recognition of the role it plays in advocating for and with girls on gender justice issues and helping to empower girls to transform their communities.
What is the Committee on the Status for Women and why is it important?
Part of UN Women, The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. During the Commission’s annual two-week session in March (around International Women’s Day), representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities gather at UN headquarters in New York.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is made up of 45 Member States of the United Nations at any one time. The Commission consists of one representative from each of the 45 Member States. For NGOs, like Girls’ Brigade International, it is one of the only areas where there is the opportunity to interact with, and try to influence, global policy making. The CSW is one of the only commissions of the UN that does not limit participation to member states only.
What does Girls’ Brigade International bring to the UN Committee on the Status for Women?
Girls’ Brigade International has much to offer, through its work with girls and women across the world and can:
- Inspire others about GB’s 130 years of ministry amongst girls across 50 countries as well as the positive impact of Christian mission movements.
- Connect with other people and organisations to build foundations for relationships and increase the potential for collaboration.
- Influence positive decisions to be made at UNCSW and beyond by their example and campaigning which will have girls and women live ‘life to the full’
- Transform by gaining more knowledge, expertise and experience of international advocacy and campaigning which can be used by to transform local communities as well as lead GBI’s advocacy forward.
What are the benefits of attending the Committee on the Status for women to Girls’ Brigade International?
- Raising GB’s platform in the international sphere
- As one of the world’s oldest Christian mission movements for girls, it enables GB International to raise it’s profile and ‘have a seat at the table’ during the world’s largest gathering of gender equality activists.
- Better connections through effective networking
- Enabling the creation of fruitful and divine connections which if nurtured will help to transform the lives of girls across the world
- Opening doors of opportunity
- As a result of effective networking, a number of doors of opportunities have presented themselves to Girls’ Brigade:
- Finance – there are a number of grants that GB can apply and be eligible for.
- GB countries – as a result of conversations, there is the opportunity to develop GB in India.
- Collaborations – a number of Christian organisations are interested in partnering to lead workshops/events at future CSW events and beyond.
- As a result of effective networking, a number of doors of opportunities have presented themselves to Girls’ Brigade:
- Providing a more comprehensive understanding of the UN and CSW
- Gaining a better understanding of how Girls’ Brigade International could influence effectively at UN level and a more comprehensive understanding of CSW.
- By attending parallel and side events run by NGOs, Girls’ Brigade International were educated in issues which are impacting girls across the world.
- Encouraging and inspiring GB members across the world as they see Girls’ Brigade International turning up the volume of hope at the UN