The Armenian Relief Society participated in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the UN’s largest gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The conference was held from March 10 to 21 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The ARS delegation had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony of the CSW69, where they had the opportunity to meet and converse with Lebanon’s esteemed First Lady, Nehmat Aoun. Since its accreditation as a non-governmental organization at the United Nations in 1975, with the Department of Global Communications, the ARS has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing its mission. In 1998, the ARS further elevated its status by becoming a consultative member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Throughout the UN CSW69 proceedings, ARS representatives from New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, D.C., and Canada actively engaged in the annual Townhall Meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Gutierres, and Civil Society representatives. They also participated in various panels organized by the UN CSW, Permanent Missions, and other ECOSOC-accredited NGOs, followed by thought-provoking discussions and Q&A sessions.
The ARS, in collaboration with the Armenian Legal Center, on March 12 hosted an event titled “Resilience and Recovery: The Role of Women in Conflict Zones & Health Advocacy” at the United Nations Church Center in New York City. The event opened with welcoming remarks delivered by Arousyak Melkonian, Chairperson of the ARS Central Executive Board.
The session featured a profound presentation by Tereza Yerimyan on the challenges faced by women in conflict zones and an address by Kevork Hagopjian, Ph.D., Esq., on strengthening legal protections for women in these areas.
Joining virtually from Armenia, Dr. Lorky Libaridian offered insightful commentary on health advocacy in conflict zones.
During the event organized by the ARS, Dr. Nyree Derderian, who also served as the panel moderator, shared compelling stories that showcased ARS initiatives in conflict zones, including in Armenia and Artsakh, Syria, Lebanon, and Jerusalem.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session and was attended by representatives of member states, United Nations agencies, ARS members, NGO leaders, and other participants.
The ARS and the Armenian Legal Center organized the event to unite individuals committed to empowering women in conflict zones and advocating for health through targeted programs and initiatives designed to support their recovery and resilience. As an esteemed participant in the CSW, the ARS reaffirms its dedication to fostering the empowerment of women in Armenia and across the globe.
