On 20 March, from 9:00 to 10:30 EDT, the United Nations held a virtual side event titled “Women Who Shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” as part of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Organised by the UN Academic Impact, along with the Human Rights team from the Department of Global Communications and the UN Human Rights Office, it aimed to celebrate the pivotal role of women in the formation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The event opened with remarks from Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris of the UN Human Rights Office and Ms. Nanette Braun from the UN Department of Global Communications. Following this, the expert panel was moderated by Ms. Jayashri Wyatt, featuring distinguished speakers such as Ambassador Gertrude Mongella, Mrs. Anna Fierst, Prof. Rebecca Adami, and Prof. Manu Bhagavan, who shared insights on historic challenges and modern advocacy for gender equality.
The panel conversation highlighted the contributions these women made, while addressing the ongoing struggles for gender equality today. Attendees were encouraged to engage in a lively Q&A session, during which the audience posed questions through chat. Notably, the insights shared during this event aimed to create awareness about the legacy of women’s contributions to the UDHR and inspire future actions in support of gender and human rights globally, in a world still fighting for equality.
The event showcased prominent speakers with rich backgrounds in human rights. Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris provided deep political expertise, while Ms. Nanette Braun offered perspectives from campaigns and public advocacy. Ambassador Gertrude Mongella, with a history steeped in women’s rights activism, and Mrs. Anna Fierst, a descendant of Eleanor Roosevelt, brought personal and historical connections to the cause. Dr. Rebecca Adami and Dr. Manu Bhagavan shared academic insights, underscoring the scholarly reflections on women in human rights and the importance of their narratives for future generations.
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the impact of women’s contributions to the UDHR continues to resonate, shaping advocacy and igniting the global quest for equality and human rights.
On March 20, 2023, the UN hosted a virtual event celebrating women’s contributions to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Organised by UNAI and other human rights bodies, it featured key remarks and an expert panel discussion, underscoring historical challenges and the ongoing fight for gender equality. The event aimed to inspire contemporary movements by showcasing the legacies of pioneering women in human rights.
The virtual side event, “Women Who Shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” served as a poignant reminder of the crucial influence that women have had on human rights principles. By reflecting on their historical challenges and ongoing advocacy efforts, the event not only honoured their legacies but also reinvigorated the call for gender equality today. Engaging discussions with distinguished leaders highlighted the continuous journey towards achieving human rights for all.
Original Source: www.un.org
