UN Committee District Meeting 2013 Sundsvall 2013-05-25 Version 1.0 MaryLou Espiritu Olsson D21 UN Committee Chair MISSION Advance the Status of Women Worldwide VISION A Leading Advocate and Organization of Choice 2012-2014 Goals Credibility & Visibility, Aligned Governance, Financially Sound Service Scholarships Advocacy International Service Projects and ZiSVAW local projects funding + local hands-on projects AE, JMK, YWPA + locally funded scholarships Advisory at UN + CoE, Events/partnering: 16 days, IWD, AE Day Publications: The Zontian, Webinars, research, policy papers, e-newsletters & stories of what works On a Foundation of Honest and Trustworthy Accountability (semi-annual reporting from Districts & Committees & annual reporting from Clubs) Zonta International biennium goal achievements public 2008, UN Secretary General 2009, UN Women 2012, Zonta International The United Nations is the only place where governments come together to ponder the large issues that face the planet. Zonta International is the leading advocate at the United Nations for women’s equality in all spheres of life. Zonta International has a general consultative status at the United Nations. Issues we are most concerned with Violence against women Deprivation of liberty Femicide Sexual violence Female genital mutilation Molestation Child marriage Breast flattening Rape Trafficking Forced prostitution Discrimination Battering Psychological abuse Threats Verbal harassment Infanticide of baby girls Bride burning Honour killing Forced marriage Acid attack Physical abuse Incest Stalking Sexual assault Women’s health Domestic violence Sexual harassment Marital rape Dowry murder Forced sterilisation Violence against women in conflict and post conflict areas Emotional abuse Coercion Rape as method of warfare Eve teasing Sexual slavery Forced abortion Forced pregnancy How do we influence these issues • In all our locations, ZI UN Committee members belong to – – – – – – NGO Committees on the Status of Women NGO Committee on Trafficking NGO Committee on UNICEF Human Rights Committee Committee on Aging Working Group on Girls • By working together in collaboration with other NGOs, we have more strength to influence member states and their missions to the UN • By making statements to commissions and bureaus such as the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the CEDAW Committee • By making statements to high level meetings on issues that are of importance to Zonta Zonta at the United Nations New York Geneva Paris Vienna General Assembly Security Council Economic and Social Council Trusteeship Council International Court of Justice Secretariat Specialized Agencies Instruments Peace and Development, Justice, Human Dignity and Well-being for all people The Millenium Development Goals – MDG 3 and 5 Zonta’s objects and policies Conventions and Protocols, Declarations and Resolutions Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW - Articles 1-16 International Bill of Human Rights, Core Human Rights Instruments Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – 12 Critical Areas of Concern International Advocacy Days Zonta International’s Objects • To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health, and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy • To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions • To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms • To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the world Letter of Protest Zonta International Advocacy Policy Violation of human rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights Registration of Letter of Protest D21 through D21 UN CC Write letter of protest ZI UN CC Consult with ZIP ZI through ZIP Write and sign a statement Send letter of protest to ZI through ZI UN CC Send statement to the ambassador (of the country to register protest against) to the UN in NY Quick ways to get involved Observe important advocacy days Take part in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Support ZISVAW projects Join the Zonta Says No Campaign Violence and Discrimination Violence and discrimination against women is an obstacle to the achievement of the objectives of equality, development and peace. Violence and discrimination against women both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. WE SAY NO TO VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS TO DEVELOPMENT AND EQUALITY, PEACE AND SECURITY. Thank you! MaryLou Espiritu Olsson D21 UN Committee Chair mleo@telia.com