What's happening
Do you want to do more? Why not take some inspiration from what other supporters have done and help spread the message. Contact campaigns@vso.org.uk for help in promoting your event.
Lincolnshire: In March, our Lincolnshire supporter group hosted a 'Help Women Help the World' campaign day. Dancers, choirs and drama groups performed to help raise awareness of the campaign to the residents of Lincolnshire.
London: Twenty supporters braved February’s snow and ice for the campaign workshop to learn more about our latest campaign and generate ideas as to how they could take action in their communities. Highlights included a visit from Justine Greening, the Conservative MP for Putney. The workshop is the first in a series to be held across the country to inspire people to take action on the topics that matter to them most.
Aberdeen: Sarah in Aberdeen hosted an evening for women's education with the Aberdeen group of the Scottish Federation for University Women. She used the Action Resource Pack to encourage understanding of the discrimination women face and to encourage them to take action.
Midlothian: Anne from Midlothian has been raising awareness with her local branch of the Scottish Women’s rural institute by distributing campaign cards to encourage others to take action.
Berkshire: Tessa has encouraged members of several community groups to take action, including her women’s running group and Fairtrade society. She is currently planning an awareness night with her choir.
Campaign latest
14 September 2009: Campaign success! UN General Assembly unanimously passes resolution to create new UN Women’s Agency
On 14 September 2009 the UN passed a historic resolution that marks a significant step forward for millions of women around the world. Read more here.
11 September 2009: Diplomatic Ambush threatens the creation of the new UN Women's Agency
A last minute ambush at the UN general assembly by Cuba, Egypt, Iran and Sudan puts the creation of the new agency at risk. Read more here.
24 August 2009: Gordon Brown and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf speak out for a new UN Women's Agency
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf have published a joint opinion piece, Taking Women's Rights Seriously, on The Huffington Post. Read the article here.
6 July 2009: UK Government commit to double funding to a new UN Agency for Women
A big thanks to all our campaigners for helping to secure a vital pledge from the UK Government to champion and fund a new UN women’s agency.
The Government used its latest white paper on international development to confirm that it will push for the creation of a single, powerful, UN agency for women. The UK also committed to give a new women’s agency at least double the amount of money that it currently provides to the UN for work on women’s equality.
This is a major step forward for VSO’s ‘Help Women Help The World’ campaign, which will continue to press for the creation of a fully-funded UN women’s agency with the resources and influence to make a real difference to the lives of millions of women. Expect more details soon!
22 May 2009: Stephen Lewis lends his support to Help Women Help the World
Former UN Special Envoy for HIV & AIDS Stephen Lewis has spent 3 days in London lobbying in support of VSO’s ‘Help Women Help the World’ campaign. During his short stay Stephen met with several key policy-makers, including Gareth Thomas, the Minister of State for the Department for International Development, and Lord Malloch-Brown, the Minister for Africa, Asia and UN. He also gave an impassioned speech in support of the creation of a new UN Women’s Agency in the House of Commons, excerpts of which can be found on the Independent website.
Learn more about what you can do to raise awareness and inspire others to take action.
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