Standing Steady, Reaching Global: NFBPWC and the United Nations

United Nations Committee – July 2025
Submitted by Barbara Bozeman

As we reflect on July’s theme —BPW: Past, Present, and Future—we are reminded that our organization’s deep-rooted relationship with the United Nations has always been one of our greatest strengths. From the early days of post-war diplomacy to today’s interconnected world, NFBPWC and BPW International have stood for peace, equality, and opportunity for women—everywhere.

In the past, we laid the groundwork. BPW leaders contributed to the founding principles of the UN, championed the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women, and were among the first civil society voices advocating for gender-inclusive development. We believed then—as we do now—that a better world depends on the full participation of women in every sector and at every level.

In the present, that global connection matters more than ever.
We find ourselves in a moment of heightened tension at home.  Public discourse is polarized, trust in institutions is strained, and the very rights and resources that women have long worked to secure are once again under review. Yet in this environment, NFBPWC’s role remains clear: to be a steady, respectful, and principled force for progress.
What sets us apart is that we are not isolated. As part of BPW International, we are part of a powerful, global network spanning over 100 countries and holding consultative status with the United Nations.

That global positioning gives us a platform—and a responsibility. While politics may shift and opinions may differ, the shared values of dignity, equality, education, and opportunity unite us beyond borders and beyond partisanship.

In the future, we will continue to use that platform to educate, advocate, and connect. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer us a roadmap—and we know that local actions can lead to global impact. In every corner of our organization, members are already doing the work: mentoring girls, supporting women entrepreneurs, protecting the environment, advancing human rights.

Despite the noise of today’s political climate, we encourage every member to stay engaged. Learn more about how international frameworks like the SDGs connect to the issues you care about. Use your voice to respectfully engage with elected officials. Collaborate with others across party lines. And remember: our strength lies not just in our positions, but in our persistence.

BPW has never been about standing still. It’s about moving forward together—with vision, courage, and civility.

Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us, meet the moment we are in, and step boldly into the future we are building—locally and globally.

To learn more or to get involved with our United Nations efforts, email un@nfbpwc.org.

UN80 Reforms: A Turning Point for Gender Equality and Migration Policy

By Eva Richter, NFBPWCNY
The United Nations is turning 80 this year and is facing very hard times. Many nations, the US and China prominent among them, have not paid their dues and seem to show no sign of doing so; the US has defunded and dismantled 90% of US AID, which heretofore has funded humanitarian projects worldwide, many of them under UN jurisdiction. The institution has become increasingly bureaucratic, with agencies and programs overlapping in both mandates and jurisdictions. Migration and refugee flows have increased amid rising restrictions, barriers and punitive policies against the free movement of peoples, flying in the face of UN compacts, previously agreed to by Member States, that guarantee safe, orderly, and well-managed migration.

Several years in the making but given urgency by the current crisis, the UN80 Initiative is eyeing cost- cutting and consolidation. Secretary-General António Guterres has outlined a three-pronged strategy: streamlining operations, reassessing mandates, and realigning programs to enhance efficiency and impact. In addition, he is proposing relocating various offices and agencies to regional hubs. Leases on some office buildings in New York have been allowed to lapse.

The initiative has raised concerns—particularly regarding its implications for gender equality and immigration policy. For members of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC), this moment offers both a challenge and an opportunity to advocate for inclusive, rights-based reforms that align with our mission and the UN’s global commitments. We must turn our efforts to what we can accomplish locally on the civil and legislative fronts, making our voices heard, partnering with like-minded organizations to amplify our voices, appealing to local and national governing bodies to implement strategies and programs to support our goals.

Gender Equality and UNIFEM: At a Crossroads
Insiders warn that the UN80 reforms may consolidate or downsize key human rights offices, including those focused on gender-based violence and women’s rights such as UNIFEM and UN Women. One proposal is to collapse several protection mandates that operate as solo offices — such as Children and Armed Conflict, Sexual Violence in Conflict and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse — into one, according to the suggestions in a leaked confidential document. The single body would be called the Office for the Protection  of  Vulnerable  Populations. Such restructuring could dilute the visibility and effectiveness of gender-focused programming and deliver a blow to the cause of gender equality.

This is particularly troubling given the UN’s own acknowledgment that gender equality is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5. The risk is not just symbolic; it could mean fewer resources for programs that protect women in conflict zones, support female entrepreneurs, and promote women’s leadership in climate action.

Migration Reform: UNHCR, IOM, and OSHA in the Spotlight. The UN80 Initiative also intersects with global migration governance. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are key players in implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a complementary role in ensuring labor protections for migrant workers—especially women, who are often vulnerable to exploitation in informal sectors. A plan is being floated to consolidate these three entities, establishing the resultant migration office in Geneva, which is already the center of most UN discussion on migration.

Aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda and Climate Agreements
The UN80 reforms arrive at a critical juncture for the 2030 Agenda, which all UN nations have committed to supporting, though President Trump has recently repudiated these. Any reform that sidelines gender or migration undermines the UN’s ability to deliver also on its climate and development promises that disproportionately affect women and girls.

What Can NFBPWC Members Do? As advocates for working women and gender equity, NFBPWC members are uniquely positioned to influence this global conversation. Here are two concrete actions we can take, together with their suggested implementations:

1.   Advocate for Gender-Responsive Budgeting in UN Reforms
Write to U.S. representatives and UN mission delegates urging them to support gender-responsive budgeting in the UN80 framework.
Uphold the central importance of the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which is nowhere mentioned in the discussion of reform. Use NFBPWC’s platform to mobilize members with sample letters and talking points tailored to this issue.
Partner with like-minded organizations to amplify our voice through joint statements and social media campaigns.

2.   Promote Migrant Women’s Rights in GCM and GCR Implementation
Host webinars and panel discussions featuring experts from UNHCR, IOM, and OSHA, NGOs, academia and individual migrants and their stories, to educate members on the intersection of gender and migration. Partner with like-minded organizations such as the Women in Migration Network (WIMN) to amplify our voice through joint statements and social media campaigns.

Encourage local chapters to support community- based organizations that assist migrant women with legal aid, job training, health services and housing.

A Call to Action
The UN80 Initiative is not just a bureaucratic reshuffle—it’s a litmus test for the UN’s commitment to its founding principles. As NFBPWC members, we must ensure that gender equality and migrant rights are not sidelined in the name of efficiency. Our advocacy, grounded in over a century of championing women’s rights, can help shape a more inclusive and resilient United Nations.

The proposed restructuring includes plans to relocate agencies to less expensive regions and cities, including Nairobi (UNIFEM, UN Women, UN Population Fund); Valencia, Spain (UNICEF). Other regional locations are also in contest. FAO has long been established in Rome.

Our organization operates in over 100 countries, and therefore we are uniquely placed to exercise our UN mandate in many of the regions and countries that will now assume greater UN prominence. We can rise to this moment with the same imagination and commitment our organization has always displayed, advocating for human and civil rights, agency and dignity for all women and girls everywhere. Together, we can ensure that, despite budget cuts, consolidations and dislocations, the next 80 years of the United Nations are more equitable, inclusive, and just than the last.

Life is always very busy in BPW as a past president of IFBPW and NFBPWC.Mostly our activity is in the background but here are some important insights into the months of April and May 2025

April BPW Arizona
My dear BPW international friend Barbara Hunter Sadowski (Australia) who has a home in Phoenix with her husband, had been instrumental in facilitating a speaking invitation for me as NFBPWC president at the BPW state conference in 2018, and did so again for this conference on April 19th, 2025. In 2018, no members from AZ were connected to NFBPWC and subsequently following my presentation 13 members decided to join under then President Terry Dolan.

Moving on to 2025, with current President Deb Gomez, I experienced a very warm welcome and a desire to hear more about the National and International Federations. The Conference was very well organized and run according to the traditional BPW values and governance. I was advised that my PPT presentation was a highlight and inspirational to the membership. Under the leadership of President Deb Gomez (elected at the conference for a 2nd term) there is now

Pictured Above: Friends at the Funeral

a deeper interest to connect with the National Federation and especially with the Young BPW group. A guest (young BPW) at the conference joined a local club because of the information that she experienced and is very excited to participate. Sadly, the week of June 16th BPW Arizona tragically lost Katherine Stevenson, president of BPW Scottsdale club. I have sent condolences to the BPW Arizona members.

May 17th Funeral of Past International President Sylvia Perry
I was one of 3 friends who were invited to present the Eulogies at her funeral held at her Baptist in Frenchay, UK (near the town of Bristol) on Saturday 17th May, 2025.
My very dear long time BPW friend Sylvia Perry passed away unexpectedly 11th April 2025. Words cannot describe the shock that Sylvia had passed away. The devastating news came after only a short time since we had discussed meeting up In Malta at the European Conference in May. I had missed her very much at our International Congress in St Kitts, November 2024. She had wanted to attend but had to remain home to take care of her husband Keith.

Pictured Below: 2010 IFBPW 80 Year Celebration: NY Past Presidents Sylvia Perry, Dr. Yvette Swan, Dr. Pat Harrison and Liz Benham

I first met Sylvia when she was elected president at the IFBPW Congress in Venice in 1996, which was the first Congress I attended after becoming a member. I travelled to many BPW Conferences worldwide after Venice as a keen BPW member where we continually met but at the North American Regional Conference held in St Maarten in 1997 was where our almost 30- year deep friendship began.

A major supplier of products that I imported for my business was from a factory based in Cardiff, Wales. On my business trips to the factory, I frequently stopped enroute to visit Sylvia and Keith at their home in Bristol, UK.

In 1998 Sylvia appointed me as a United Nations representative for IFBPW in New York, a position which I served in for 20 years until 2018. My home was on Long Island, New York and so I frequently hosted Sylvia during her presidency and after her term it was Dr. Pat Harrison.

I stored all the items needed for the annual CSW meetings at the United Nations in New York such as fax machines, printers and paper, tools that at that time  were  essential  to  facilitate  the  daily communications in the organization. This was also to save on rental expenses and included bedding linens (for all those BPWs sharing the accommodations) tea kettles, etc.

Pictured Above: UK President Jo Kinsey, Susan Jones, Anu Viks, and Liz Benham
Sylvia and I worked closely on so many projects and serious issues over the years, and it was always such a joy! She had invited me to Damascus, Syria when I was International President to speak at the Arab Women’s Conference that she was also passionate and connected to. This was an experience that remains vividly in my memory.

The major project that we both looked forward to work on was a commitment, (overdue from 2011 in my term as international president) to write the next segment of BPW International history from 1995-2015. Unfortunately, due to life circumstances for both of us, it was delayed a few times and now sadly I will do so without her.

In our years of friendship Sylvia was always caring, thoughtful, visionary, professional, respectful, and honest with a fierce loyalty dedicated to her passion for BPW. This was the strong bond that we shared. Although words cannot express the pain of loss that is very raw, I try to find comfort in the beautiful memories that we shared and the many hours of hard work that we invested in BPW. I, and BPW, were blessed with her leadership and unwavering strength. I will always miss her very much. Life is fragile and we never know when it ends. This loss of my dear friend Sylvia is very hard to bear.

IFBPW European Regional Conference in Valletta, Malta May 23-26,2025
The 3-day conference in the beautiful city of Valletta Malta was wonderful. The venue was spectacular, and the program packed with great content, speakers and gala dinner. I presented with IFBPW VP Advocacy Neelima Basnet on the panel and workshop “Role of the United Nations in the Past Present and Future” along with inputs from all the IFBPW United Nations Representatives and President Barbara Bozeman on Organization of American States (OAS).

Pictured Above: Gala Dinner Malta

BPW St. Kitts AGM and a change of leadership. Monday June 16, 2025 (ZOOM)I was invited to give a presentation to BPW St. Kitts on the structure and function of BPW International, including protocols communications and partnerships. This was a zoom meeting on Caribbean time.
It was a delight to engage with the members and so happy to see them functioning well.

Pictured Above: Workshop European Conference

This was the Agenda:
5:30 pm President Elect Christine Welcome and recap
5:35 pm Past International President Liz Structure and Function of BPW (PPT)
6:05 pm Q&A
6:15 pm Founding President Pam Wall BPW St. Kitts 6:30 pm Q&A
6:45 pm President Elect Christine “The way forward” 7:00 pm President Gillian Handover
The month of May concluded with a road trip of 9 days on the coast of Portugal after the IFBPW European Regional Conference. It was a lovely break and wonderful experience into the beauty, culture and cuisine of Portugal.

Elizabeth (Liz) Behnam
PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT (2008-2011)
IFBPWC CAC CHAIR (2024-2027)
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT (2013-2018)

“Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”
Greetings BPW Sisters. I returned home recently after attending the wonderful BPW Europe Regional Conference in Malta. There were over 350 members from 43 countries that attended, and it was a great opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with others. NAC members that attended were from St Martin, St Kitts (Liamuiga), USA and Canada.

The Conference took place in the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta, which is a 16th Century Building with stunning views across the Grand Harbour of Valletta. The Theme of the Conference was Breaking Barriers – Drive Your Own Success and the 4 Pillars addressed Future Focus, Digitalisation, Globalisation and Celebrate Our Superpowers. Each Pillar included high level speakers and break out Workshops. In addition, the 12th annual Youth Symposium was held with additional speakers and panels for Young BPW Members.

The Welcome Reception was held in the Private Gardens of the Presidential Residence Palance, and we were honoured to have H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta speak to us at that time. The Gala Dinner and the Farewell Event were both held in La Valette Hall with wonderful food and music for dancing. A fun time was had by all at these events to celebrate everyone and BPW.

BPW Europe Region voted to have an award to honour the legacy of Past International President Sylvia Grace Perry. UK President Jo Kinsey was the 1st recipient of this award, and it was so well deserved. It was very special opportunity to attend this wonderful event on behalf of North America and the Caribbean.

I would like to extend special congratulations to BPW St Kitts on their 50th anniversary in May. It is wonderful that they have achieved this Golden Milestone, and they had an opportunity to celebrate their hard work, dedication and friendships recently. Well done BPW St Kitts!!!

Plans have started in earnest to work with hotel in Toronto for the North America and Caribbean Conference in September 2026. Dates will be shared as soon as they are available so we can all make sure the dates are in our calendars to be able to attend.
Warm wishes for a wonderful summer.

To read the above Newsletter, please click on the image, or go to:
North America and Caribbean Region Newsletter June 2025

To read the above Newsletter, please click on the image, or go to:

North America and Caribbean Region Newsletter June 2025

Karin Gorgerat
BPW International Regional Coordinator
North America and Caribbean

BPW and CSW: A Legacy of Advocacy, A Future of ImpactCommission on the Status of Women (CSW) Committee – July 2025

This year’s NFBPWC magazine theme—Past, Present, and Future—is perfectly aligned with the journey our organization continues to take within the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). As we move into the third month of our CSW education and engagement series, we take a moment to look at the path we’ve walked—and the road ahead.

Past: A Seat in the Room
BPW International has been actively engaged with CSW for decades, holding consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since the mid-20th century. In those early years, our presence meant showing up, observing, and submitting written statements. We were there when critical resolutions on women's rights were drafted. We stood beside pioneering voices calling for global recognition of women’s contributions to work, family, and society.

Present: A Seat at the TableThis July, we are proud to share that a member of NFBPWC now sits on the NGO CSW/NY Executive Committee. This is a significant advancement in our global participation. It means that IFBPW not only observes and contributes—but helps shape the coordination of global civil society input for CSW itself. Congratulations to our VP Advocacy, Emily VanVleck for her election as a Member- at-Large. With this new role comes responsibility and an opportunity. We are more visible. We are more engaged. And now, more than ever, we are in a position to bring the experiences, concerns, and ideas of our members directly to the heart of CSW planning and execution.

Future: What Comes Next?
As we continue preparing for CSW70 in March 2026, we remain committed to supporting at least three member- driven programs that align with CSW’s themes and advance gender equality on the global stage. You don’t have to be a UN expert to participate—just passionate about making an impact.

In the coming months, we’ll dive deeper into how to build effective programming, how to align projects with the UN’s global priorities, and how members across generations and geographies can make their voices heard.

We will also continue exploring how Agreed Conclusions—the negotiated outcomes of each CSW session—can shape our advocacy locally. When we understand how global language evolves, we’re better prepared to press for change at home.

The Invitation Stands
BPW’s legacy is one of showing up, speaking out, and leading forward. Whether this is your first time learning about CSW or you’ve been part of past delegations, we invite you to stay curious, stay involved, and stay bold.
Let’s honor the past, strengthen our present, and prepare a future where NFBPWC voices aren’t just part of the conversation—they help lead it.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the- status-of-women
To learn more or get involved, email csw@nfbpwc.org.

Submitted by Barbara Bozeman, President, NFBPWC, 2024-2026

Understanding the United Nations means understanding how we, as women leaders, can be part of shaping a better world.

In recognition of International Day of Women in Diplomacy – June 24th

we are honored to introduce to you:

Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams formally assumed her present appointment as St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 15 January 2024 after presenting her credentials to the United Nations Secretary General. Ambassador Williams currently serves as co-facilitator of the Revitalization of the Commission on the Status of Women; a UN Member State-led process aimed at strengthening the Commission to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose in advancing gender equality and the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. She previously served as the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus where she appeared before the UN Security Council on several occasions advocating on behalf of Haiti. Ambassador Williams also served as Chair for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the UN.

Full biography HERE.

From NFBPWC United Nations Special Committee: we extend appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams for her work.

Getting to Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Global Impact from Local Actions

By: Barbara Bozeman, President, NFBPWC

In 2015, all 193 United Nations member states—including the United States—adopted a shared plan called the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a call to action for all countries and communities to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

These goals are broad, ambitious, and deeply interconnected. But you don’t have to be a diplomat or a government agency to make a difference. Meaningful contributions come from individuals, committees, and clubs.

1. No Poverty - End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

• Host a financial literacy workshop for women
• Partner with a shelter to provide hygiene kits
• Collect professional attire for job-seekers

2. Zero Hunger - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

• Organize a community garden
• Volunteer at or donate to a food bank
• Host a plant-based cooking class

3. Good Health and Well-Being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

• Partner with clinics for wellness screenings
• Promote maternal health awareness
• Organize a walk/run to raise funds for women’s health

4. Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Support scholarships for women in STEM
• Volunteer in adult literacy programs
• Host a “career day” for girls

5. Gender Equality - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

• Join or host Equal Pay Day events
• Mentor survivors of gender-based violence
• Advocate for workplace harassment prevention policies

6. Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

• Educate about menstrual hygiene
• Support sanitation access for homeless women
• Advocate for clean water in schools

7. Affordable and Clean Energy - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

• Host a solar energy info session
• Support clean energy legislation
• Fundraise for solar cookers in developing nations

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

• Promote women-owned businesses
• Hold a résumé and interview prep event
• Teach entrepreneurship workshops

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

• Host a “Girls in Tech” event
• Tour a local sustainable manufacturer
• Raise funds for rural internet access

10. Reduced Inequalities - Reduce inequality within and among countries.

• Partner with disability advocacy groups
• Promote inclusive hiring practices
• Host forums on systemic barriers

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

• Partner on urban green space projects
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup
• Encourage local disaster preparedness planning

12. Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• Host a “zero waste” workshop
• Promote secondhand fashion swaps
• Teach upcycling crafts

13. Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Host climate-focused speaker panels
• Encourage tree planting
• Advocate for local climate plans

14. Life Below Water - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• Organize a beach or river cleanup
• Educate about microplastics
• Support marine wildlife groups

15. Life on Land - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

• Plant pollinator-friendly gardens
• Support conservation nonprofits
• Host a wildlife education event

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• Support civics education for girls
• Host conversations on justice reform
• Observe International Day of Peace (Sept 21)

17. Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

• Collaborate with other local organizations
• Connect with global BPW clubs for project sharing
• Attend UN or NGO briefings

Want to go deeper?

• Official UN SDG Page: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• UN SDG Learn (Free Courses): https://www.unsdglearn.org

UN News, Breaking UN News, 23 May 2025, Peace and Security

By: Susan O’Malley, IFBPW, Chair of Nominating Committee

Diplomats prepare ground for June Conference on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, as outlined in GA res.79/81. The Conference will produce an action- oriented outcome document entitled “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the 2-State Solution.”

Pictured Left: Members of the United Nations during the 2- State Solution Conference. Photographer Loey Felipe, UN Photo 5/23/2025

For more information about BPW Asia Pacific Region:

Website: https://www.bpw-international.org/members/asia-pacific/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BPWAP/

BPW AP YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BPWAsiaPacific-e6y

“Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”

Greetings BPW Sisters and happy Spring!

It has been a very busy time in NAC since my last report. I was able to have a lovely holiday in the Greek Islands with my husband, and now I am preparing to attend the BPW European Regional Conference in Malta May 23-25th. I am looking forward to attending their conference and learning what’s happening within BPW in Europe so I can bring back best practices for our region.

The BPW Asia-Pacific Regional Conference will be held August 24-26, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

August 26, 2025, is IFBPW’s 95th anniversary, so it promises to be a very special event. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend and have expressed my regrets to Regional Coordinator Herlin. Here is the link if anyone is able to attend. If you do attend, please let me know so I am aware of NAC’s representation there. BPW Asia Pacific Regional Conference, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 24-26 August 2025 - BPW International

Our affiliates in the region have been working hard and it’s exciting to see what’s happening there. BPW St. Kitts is celebrating their 50th anniversary as an Affiliate week-end of May 16th. We wish them congratulations on achieving this milestone and commend them for the work they have done for the IFBPWC, including hosting the Congress last November.

BPW Dominica is growing with an expansion to the north part of the island. NAC will be sending out their next newsletter in late June, so I look forward to you all seeing this great news and more at that time.

I wish you all the best as you continue your hard work for NFBPWC – you are doing a great job in following the footsteps of our founder Dr. Lena Madison Phillips, and you are to be commended.

Karin Gorgerat
BPW International Regional Coordinator
North America and Caribbean

The Commission on the Status of Women isn’t just a conference. It’s a catalyst!

From Dialogue to Action: Understanding CSW’s Agreed Conclusions

In our last article, we introduced the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Each year, CSW brings together Member States, UN entities, and civil society organizations—including representatives from NFBPWC and BPW International—to review progress, identify challenges, and shape global standards and policies.

But what happens after all the speeches, panels, and discussions? How does CSW translate global dialogue into actionable outcomes?

The answer lies in one of CSW’s most important outputs: the Agreed Conclusions. 

What Are Agreed Conclusions? Agreed Conclusions are the negotiated outcome document adopted at the end of each annual CSW session. This document captures commitments made by UN Member States to advance gender equality in a specific thematic area—whether it's access to education, economic empowerment, technology, or climate resilience.

They’re not just words on paper. These conclusions influence national policies, inform NGO advocacy, and provide a clear benchmark for evaluating global progress. The process of drafting them is complex, collaborative, and—at times—contentious. But when consensus is reached, the final product serves as a powerful signal of international political will and direction.

Why Do They Matter to Us? As members of NFBPWC and BPW International, we are part of a global network of women’s organizations with consultative status at the United Nations. That means we have a voice—often in the form of written statements, side events, and formal interventions—during the CSW process.

Understanding the Agreed Conclusions gives our advocacy sharper focus. It helps us:

• Align our local and national work with global gender equity goals.
• Hold governments accountable for the commitments they make on the world stage.
• Push for progress in areas where language has historically been weak or watered down.

For example, if the Agreed Conclusions call for expanded access to STEM education for girls, NFBPWC members can highlight successful programs already underway in their communities—or push for new ones that align with this goal.

How Are They Formed? The process begins long before delegates arrive in New York. In the months leading up to the March session, the UN Secretary-General releases a report on the year’s theme, laying the groundwork for negotiation. Civil society organizations, including BPW, provide written inputs and host pre-CSW consultations.

During the two-week CSW meeting, government delegates negotiate line by line, word by word. Every paragraph is scrutinized. Language around issues like sexual and reproductive health, economic autonomy, or the rights of marginalized groups can be flashpoints, with some Member States pushing to strengthen commitments and others pushing back.

Civil society is not in the negotiation room—but we are in the building. We lobby, educate, and raise our voices to ensure that feminist principles aren’t lost in political compromise.

What’s in the 2024 Agreed Conclusions? This year’s priority theme was "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective."

Among the commitments adopted:

• Increasing investments in care infrastructure to reduce the unpaid care burden on women.
• Creating gender-responsive budgeting at the national level.
• Strengthening women’s participation in public institutions and decision-making processes.
• Prioritizing data collection to measure poverty and inequality through a gender lens.

These conclusions give us clear guidance: we must connect gender equality efforts to broader systems of economic justice and institutional reform.

How Can You Use the Agreed Conclusions?

Here are three ways members can turn these global commitments into local momentum:

1. Educate: Share summaries of the Agreed Conclusions in your clubs. Use them to spark conversation about what’s working—and what’s still needed—in your own communities.

2. Advocate: Meet with local or national lawmakers. Show them how CSW’s recommendations apply to their policies—and what women in your area are calling for.

3. Collaborate: Partner with other organizations. Joint projects aligned with CSW outcomes have added credibility and international backing.

From Global Commitments to Grassroots Change

The Commission on the Status of Women is not just a conference. It’s a catalyst.

By understanding and acting on the Agreed Conclusions, we transform global consensus into local change. As NFBPWC members, we don’t just observe the process—we’re part of it. Let’s use our voice, our presence, and our programs to ensure these promises don’t stay in New York but reach all the way to the lives of women and girls in every corner of the world.

Core CSW Resources

• UN Women – Commission on the Status of Women (Main Page)

Overview of CSW, themes, outcomes, and session archives. https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw

• CSW68 (2024) – Official Session Page

https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw68-2024

• Agreed Conclusions Archive (All Years) Browse outcome documents from past sessions.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/outcomes

Civil Society & NGO Participation

• NGO Committee on the Status of Women (New York) Key civil society group organizing NGO engagement around CSW.

https://ngocsw.org

• CSW NGO CSW Forum (Parallel Events) Find or propose side events, access recordings, and participate in the NGO CSW Forum.

https://ngocsw.org/ngo-csw-forum

Helpful UN Documents

• CSW Methods of Work (explains how CSW functions)

https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/methods-of-work

• UN Women – Reports & Briefs Related to CSW

https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications

To participate with the CSW Committee and learn more – contact csw@nfbpwc.org or President Barbara Bozeman via president@nfbpwc.org

Understanding the United Nations means understanding how we, as women leaders, can be part of shaping a better world.

Greetings BPW Sisters.

I am very excited that we have our 1st Newsletter of this triennium going out to all of you. It’s been a busy few months in North America and the Caribbean Region and it has been great to speak with you during that time. You are all an inspiration with the work you are doing in your clubs and countries.

The engagement we have had in our region is fantastic – we had 27 people step up to be part of the BPW International Standing Committees. I look forward to hearing of the work they are doing during this triennium.

We had a good number of people travelling to New York City for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the BPW International Leader’s Summit. Some are Delegates for BPW International, others are Delegates for BPW Canada, and some are Delegates of other NGO’s. It is a wonderful experience and I hope they will take back what they have learned to their clubs to encourage participation next year.

Our Strategic Plan was shared with the Presidents and the work on our goals of Membership, Advocacy and Leadership Development is in full swing. Our last NAC President’s Meeting included a discussion about Membership and there were a lot of wonderful ideas that were shared. BPW is the best kept secret, and it’s up to all of us to share the benefits of what BPW can bring to them.

I look forward to continued great work happening within our Region and I am committed to see the BPW International theme fulfilled – “Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future.”

Karin Gorgerat
BPW International Regional Coordinator
North America and Caribbean

To read more Tributes and Accolades about Sylvia G. Perry, please read the 10-page AnyFlip Document at: https://online.flipbuilder.com/gfore/gpwk/