Blog provided by Penny Bartlett
Alice Odingo-SI Representative at UN Environmental Programme, (UNEP) Nairobi
Conference received a very clear message from Alice – “One Voice, All Women” to address gender equality issues.
This, she encouraged, can be done through capacity building such as working with community leaders who have a role and duty to make the world a better place for women and girls.
Alice reminded conference that the UN promote gender equality to be adopted within governments’ policies. Alice recognizes that her work at UNEP is a privilege and an honour and is committed to creating a healthy and comfortable world so that women’s voices are heard.
Alice outlined the strengths and drawbacks for women as they continue to strive for equality –
Strengths included the ability to multitask, having high expectations which make women better performers.
Drawbacks such as society not liking aggression in a woman and that strong family ties and sexuality issues can create a confidence gap.
Alice recommended to conference that SI partnered UNEF to help combat gender imbalance issues which have now reached crisis point. In support of this initiative there is an opportunity for lobbying to organize UN meetings to make use of data, also, partnership with the private sector and green economy.
Conference was assured that there is no better organization than SI to address the ongoing gender equality crisis.
Penny Bartlett
SI Bournemouth