Special Reports

Reports

March 25, 2005

For immediate release………………

 SISTER TO SISTER INTERNATIONAL, INC. SPONSORS

A DAY OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE 

U.N. COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 

A delegation from Sister to Sister International, Inc.,  (STSI) participated in the 49^th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women conference, held at the United Nations February 28 through March 11th.   On March 9^th, STSI sponsored its Sixth Annual UN Day that included a tour and briefing for STSI Youth and other area high school students, a workshop that focused on “HIV/AIDS & Violence Against Women” and an international Networking Reception, featuring UN Dignitaries and leaders from around the world.  Other activities during the UN Session included the commemoration of International Women’s Day and discussion on future collaborations with Dr. Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate

 The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a key body whose primary function is to monitor the status of women globally. During the session, a review of governmental progress is assessed during programs comprising representatives and experts from governments, non-governmental organizations and the U.N. system.

 The Sister to Sister International Youth Delegation was coordinated by Hon. Pearl C. Quarles, International Committee Chairperson, Angela Campell, STSI Board Member  and  Gregoriann Rollins,  STSI Member.   The Young Adult Program earned “rave reviews!” The students received a first hand update on the Millennium Development Goals and how they can work toward their continued progress utilizing the Cyberschoolbus UN web site.

 The workshop was provocative and featured an esteemed panel of experts on HIV/AIDS and Violence Against Women.  It also gave women from around the world an opportunity to share best practices and  forge future collaborations with STSI. Expert panelists included: M. Monica Sweeney, MD, MPH, Author and Vice President of Medical Affairs, The Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, Thema Bryant-Davis, Ph.D., noted Psychologist, and former Chair Committee on International Relations in Psychology and Bisi Olateru Olabegi, Esq. , Executive Director of the Women’s Consortium of Nigeria.  The discussion ranged from HIV/AIDS and the negotiation of safe sex to Trafficking of African women in European countries, as well as the lack of women’s rights.  The panel was superbly moderated by STSI Board Member, Donna Coles. 

During the reception greetings were delivered by Ms. Rachel Mayanja, Ugandan born, Assistant Secretary General, Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues along with a Poetic Presentation on Diasporan Women by Karen Timothy, Bahamian born, Spoken Word Artist with the UN Commission on Human Rights and a special song in tribute to Sister to Sister International members and guests, by Ms. Wainana representing Masai women from Kenya.  

 Other reception activities included the presentation of the  2005 Daisy S. George Award to Ms. Mary Singletary, President of the National Council of Women for her exemplary service to women in the international arena over the past thirty years.  The Daisy S. George Award was established in 2003 to honor the legacy of an outstanding humanitarian and public servant.  The late Mrs. George was active in a number of UN activities, organizations and global causes advancing women and children, for over 52 years.  

Also, during the Reception STSI presented clothing and vitamins to NGO partner Zenab for Women in Development.  These items were collected by STSI and will be sent to women and children in Darfur Sudan. 

Sister to Sister International’s, International Committee is Co-Chaired by Carol Atror and Aurelia Perkins. Gladys Skinner is Reception Chairperson. 

STSI is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization based in Westchester County with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is affiliated with the Department of Public Information. “STSI links women of African descent globally to the resources that Connect, Advance and Strengthen Us.  We do this through Advocacy, Education and the Promotion of African culture.”  Established in 1994, STSI’S diverse membership includes women of African descent from grass-roots, business, professional and political backgrounds globally.  Developing healthy lifestyles is a cornerstone of the organization. STSI subscribes to and advocates for the UN Platform For Action on women and its objectives regarding Equality, Development and Peace. STSI inspires members of the community to think globally and act locally through their broad array of  activities, events and programs.  

For more information on Sister to Sister International, Inc. visit our website at www.stsi.org

or call 1.888.403.4878

For information on this release please call: 23.0981 or cell 914.843.4954

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