Interventions for Gender Social Justice: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

• In Event: 4366 - Section on Global and Transnational Sociology Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 15. Revolution and Social Change

Abstract

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is a global location that offers many opportunities for interventions for gender social justice. Annual Commission sessions focus on producing an outcome document, the Agreed Conclusions, that sets global norms for governmental behavior towards women and girls. Gender equality advocates can influence the norms-setting process through written and oral statements, side events, and briefings. In addition to official meetings that are open to non-governmental organizations with accreditation to the United Nations, a parallel conference of events takes place that is open to all. The parallel conference allows advocates to raise issues such as violence against women, make connections to understand the dynamics of gender inequality, and promote language for gender social justice. In the ferment of discussion and interaction, a global feminist collective consciousness is formed and nurtured, featuring shared beliefs about the pressing need for greater gender equality. This paper will discuss the practices of Commission sessions and limitations to non-governmental participation in the Commission negotiating process. It will offer suggestions for a more democratic United Nations that opens up sessions to gender justice advocates and expands space available for Commission and non-governmental events.

Author

• Susan Hagood Lee, Boston University