Working Group on Girls Releases Girls’ Statement at 66th Commission on the Status of Women

Today marks the first day of the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, an annual event at the United Nations held by the global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. This year’s theme is “(a)chieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes.”

The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations recently launched a pilot program for Girl Delegates of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to participate in advocacy and development initiatives at the United Nations. Their first endeavor was to help draft a Girls’ Statement, which outlines ways that the climate crisis effects girls, and the demands girls have on member states to address these issues. This statement is presented on behalf of girls all over the world to member states at the Commission. The statement was produced through the Working Group on Girls, with assistance from the Department and representatives of other non-governmental organizations. As the climate crisis becomes more pressing, the priority theme is especially relevant to many girls around the world. In this statement, WGG girls speak about the unique needs of girls in the face of the climate issue.

We are proud of our GOA Girl Delegates for their work on this statement.

You can watch the girls read their statement here: CSW66 Girls Statement