See a video message from Kiran Bali, MBE JP, URI Global Council Chairperson, about the UN Commission on the Status of Women (part 1).
See a video message from Kiran Bali, MBE JP, URI Global Council Chairperson, about the UN Commission on the Status of Women (part 2).
At the United Nations, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has been the driving force of gender equality and the empowerment of women for years. As one of the biggest gatherings in the world, the outcomes takes the form of agreed conclusions, negotiated by all Member States.
Each year representatives of Member States gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress, identify challenges and formulate concrete policies to promote equality for women worldwide.
Kiran Bali, MBE JP, URI Global Council Chairperson, conveys this message: “Globally, we cannot ignore the many steps taken to reduce gender inequalities. However, it is clear that women’s rights are on shaky ground, especially within the religious communities. The CSW is an important opportunity to strengthen policy guidance and develop concrete and focused recommendations. However, to implement, sustain and accelerate efforts in the struggle for gender equality, the driving force must come from our practices at the grassroots. URI Cooperation Circles are at the heart of the action and continuously challenging inequalities whilst improving practices in their communities and beyond.”
“With around 80% of the world population identifying themselves as having by a religious practice, it is imperative that religious values lead the way forward.” - Kiran Bali, MBE JP
“Transformational religious leadership must be exemplified by openly challenging gender discrimination and inspiring change in mindsets and practices. Policies are only effective when they are put into practice and we must move from rhetoric to results.”