WIBF Volunteers join UN Women UK delegation

The Commission is biggest gathering of gender advocates globally and for the last 70 years has been at the heart of discussions on gender progress, challenge identification, and policy making. Taking place each year in March from the United Nations HQ in New York, leaders from across the globe come together to document the realities of women’s lives around the world.

WIBF volunteers and management board members, Lucy Ellis-Keeler, Lauren Cassells, co-chairs of the WIBF Future Leaders Shadow Board, Gwen Faure, director of talent retention, Bev Brown, Director of Talent Recognition, Head of female entrepreneurs and Alumni lead, Nicky King, Head of Corporate partnerships, Siobhan Moran, Head of development and Cristina Tamsa, Individual Membership Lead will be part of the two week session of the CSW.  Discussions will include – Progress and gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the key global policy document on gender equality and emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Member States will then come together to agree on actions to accelerate progress and promote women’s rights across political, economic and social fields.

Lucy said, “As Co-Chair of the Future Leaders Shadow Board, this opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to advancing gender equality.”

Lauren commented that she was excited to contribute to this year’s theme, ‘Invest in women to accelerate progress’, advocating for a gendered approach to financial decision-making and policy.  she said, “I am also very excited to be selected alongside my WIBF Shadow Board Co-Chair Lucy Ellis-Keeler, aligning to our commitment to Women in Banking and Finance.”

Gwen said, “This year’s theme is on ending poverty and the economic empowerment of women. Definitely a theme that is close my heart, and something that has been highlighted through the different aspects of equal opportunities, equal progression opportunities and of course, financial literacy. I am really excited to be joining the virtual sessions and to meet other fellow delegates to understand the opportunities and practices that we can learn for our own communities.”

The sessions take place between 11 – 22 March 2024 and WIBF are very proud of Gwen, Lauren, Lucy, Bev, Nicky, Siobhan and Cristina!

Applications to become a CSW delegate are open until 26 February, so if you’d like to be a UN Women UK delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, you can apply here.