UNCSW

Solana Larsen writes:

"I am in the United Nations this week (and next) blogging a meeting about women called The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for openDemocracy.net.

It's an important event because it sets new international standards for government to improve the conditions of women - this year's theme is ending violence and discrimination against girls. Forty-five government are here, and hundreds of women's organizations.

http://statusofwomen.wordpress.com

Of course, that doesn't mean anyone cares about it.

It used to be a big media event, but this year only 10 journalists have registered for credentials.

I've been hearing nothing but horror stories all week about forced sex, forced marriages, AIDS, circumcision, discrimination, violence - the sad thing is that the UN hasn't really committed enough resources to doing anything about it. Neither have governments.

Imagine my surprise to see tons of anti-abortion material lying around the event too. Christian right-wing women's organizations are using the meeting as a platform to campaign against family planning and the rights of women to have a safe, legal abortion."