SENDING HOPE AROUNDTHE WORLD Since 2010 Mothers’ Union has worked with the UNCSW to overcome inequality, says Zonal Trustee and Provincial President of All Ireland June Butler
W
e as members of Mothers’ Union strive to demonstrate our faith in action and that, in many ways, is similar to the United Nations’ ethos. The UN was established in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights. Our global movement, with over 4 million members in 84 countries, has the power to bring about positive change, particularly in the latter three areas. Mothers’ Union has been sending representatives to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) for 10 years. It is a commission of the UN’s Economic and Social Council, and member nation representatives meet each
16
March. In 2017 and 2019 I was an observer and you may have read my UN blogs about UNCSW. The concerns of UNCSW fit closely with the aims of Mothers’ Union’s strategic plan to transform lives - a peaceful and safe environment, gender justice and self-reliance. These are reflected in the submission we have made to UNCSW for 2021; its priority is women’s participation and decisionmaking in public life, the elimination of violence, achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. Mothers’ Union’s international projects are changing attitudes and starting that transformation. Led by women acting as community volunteer
“
facilitators, they lead by example and give others confidence to take on similar roles. In Ethiopia, the literacy programme is about so much more than learning to read – it covers relationships, nutrition, growing crops and hygiene, and this broad approach is typical. Eliminating violence against women is an ongoing struggle and the COVID-19 restrictions, which too often meant women were effectively imprisoned with their abusers, set back
Mothers’ Union’s international projects are changing attitudes
www.mothersunion.org
