Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/521232
May/June 2015 33 T wenty years ago I yearned to attend the Fourth World C onference for Women in Beijing and didn't—single parenting, full-time job and lack of resources made it impossible. When I saw this year's CSW theme was "Beijing+20," I felt called to be there. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women's executive director, spoke on March 8, which happened to be International Women's Day. She said, "We cannot achieve gender equality by teaching women how to succeed within our patriarchal society. . . . The world must change—not the women." Throughout CSW, world- renowned leaders and women known only in their communities added to my growing understanding of gender inequality. I began to realize just how strong the worldwide women's movement has grown in the last 20 years, which the March for Gender Equality and Women's Rights demonstrated later that day. Each day was a mix of exhilaration, inspiration, connection, exhaustion and occasional overwhelm. Rich and enlivening worship every morning at the Church Center grounded me in the felt experience of being the body of Christ with women from all over the world. Initially, it was overwhelming to choose from dozens of sessions held six times a day at four different locations. But I found there were no wrong choices—every session was valuable and inspiring. I learned about the impact of climate change on women, efforts to improve maternal and child health, the media's role in gender stereotypes, cyberbullying, the impact of comprehensive sexuality education on women's health, and the role of men and boys in ending violence against women. I learned that, sadly, no country has achieved gender equality. How to combat such entrenched inequity and systems of violence? Only when girls are educated and empowered in all fields, and women are brought into politics and decision-making in all countries, will the world be better equipped to tackle violence against women and the structures that keep it in place. I have worked for women's empowerment for years, but never before attending CSW did I grasp the breadth of the causes of gender inequality, the depth of resistance to dismantling it and the resolve of those determined to eliminate it. I have never before experienced the sense of power and possibility that comes from being in the company and energy of so many great women from all over the world and from being part of the global women's movement. I returned from CSW stronger in my identity as a feminist, an advocate and a woman of faith, and ever more determined to make my advocacy more visible. Mary Pat Brennan is an educator, advocate, activist, global citizen, returned Peace Corps volunteer, new grandmother and member of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church in Maryland. A Twenty-year View B Y MARY PAT BRENNAN UN Women's executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka speaks to CSW participants.