The NGO Committee on the Status of Women NY was founded after the First World Conference on Women in Mexico City in 1975. A primary objective then and now is to advocate with Member States and the United Nations for the adoption of programs and policies that will advance the economic, political, legal, health and educational status of women worldwide and to promote women’s rights and gender equality-cornerstones of the United Nations Charter. Looking back, much progress has been made over the years through the determined efforts of non-governmental organizations in partnership with Member States and the United Nations. Yet, the implementation of the commitments made to women at world conferences, through treaty obligations, and at international gatherings is far from being fully achieved, particularly when these promises are laid out in national and local settings. Good intentions must, as we know, be coupled with the political will and financial resources to effect real change in women’s lives. Violence against women and other forms of discrimination against women, in public and private, work against the achievement of women’s rights and gender equality goals. Many women do not even know their legal rights or how to employ established human rights mechanisms to strengthen their efforts. NGOs have a special role in acquiring and sharing skills that will support women worldwide to achieve their equal rights and provide better lives and opportunities for themselves and their families.
