Rural Women and Girls Take Center Stage at U.N. Commission

Once a month, NCFR will round up resources from the United Nations (U.N.) and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to family research.

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Source: UN Women

The 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW62) took place at the U.N. on March 12–23, 2018. The priority theme was the empowerment of rural women and girls. NCFR's U.N. Representatives, Mihaela Robila and Bahira Sherif Trask, were in attendance. Session outcomes and closing remarks can be found on the UN Women website. 

Also available is a curated collection of photos, videos, infographics, and stories from CSW62. Of particular note is the "Voices" series which highlights the perspectives of participants from a wide variety of backgrounds. Twelve women were asked why they attended CSW62 and what women in their communities really need. Here are a few highlights: 

“Women in rural communities want to be recognized for their contribution to food & nutrition security for their families and the nation."
- Wekoweu (Akole) Tsuhah, India.

“When we talk about food security, women are the ones providing for their families. Without land, we cannot do anything…we cannot keep our animals…we would lose our identity.”
- Alice Lesepen, Kenya

“Rural women ... want better sexual and reproductive health services, with better access to contraceptives and family planning products. Even basic education in these areas will help them.”
- Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo, Cameroon

See all voices from CSW62