PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

March 4th 2009
Representatives of UN Member States, UN entities and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all over the world are attending the 53rd Commission on the status of Women which is being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from 2 to 13 March 2009. The session is being convened under the theme:” The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including care giving in the context of HIV/AIDS”

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated exclusively to gender equality. It is held annually to deliberate and come up with way forwards on gender related issues.

The African Women’s Development and communication Network (FEMNET) will be participating in the CSW proceedings and will also be coordinating parallel meetings under the African Women Caucus which comprises regional NGOs representing the African women.

FEMNET Executive Director Norah Matovu Winyi is optimistic that the 2009 CSW will present a unique opportunity for African women to present their concerns to the UN governing council.

“The theme for the CSW 53rd Session is very critical for all those who are working on programs that aim at achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. Unless we can address the causes of gender inequality between men and women it is very hard to imagine how equal responsibility between men and women can be achieved”. Said Ms Matovu.

The African Women’s caucus will be held on Tuesday 3rd March @ 10:00am-12:00pm at UN Conference Room B

For Further Information Contact:
Carlyn Hambuba Communication Officer:
Tel: + (254)20.2712971/2 or + (254)20.2341516/7 (Wireless)
Cell: + (254)725.766932
Norah Matovu 917 370 7255. (New York)
[email][email protected] [2]