After the Civil Society Forum, some women's organizations did not endorse the Civil Society Statement presented at the UNECE intergovernmental meeting. Some had serious disagreements about language, process and positions. In the end, most of the NGOs represented at the Civil Society Forum acknowledged the diversity of the views represented in the opening statement. The far more important priority is for the global women's movement to work in solidarity in times of the worldwide backlash on gender equality. Here are some (edited) excerpts representing the vibrant exchanges of views:
Coming from different groups with different perspectives and interests, countries and ideologies, it would be impossible to find complete common ground. Yet we need to remember that the disagreement is not among us, but with the governments and the forces that don’t want real equality between boys and girls, men and women. We need to look at the bigger picture.
We can continue to debate and discuss, but that should not be a reason for division among us. When we go back to our countries we will need to report back to our constituencies. Imagine their disappointment when we tell them that we could not agree on a way forward. Any failure is also a missed chance to continue to make history together.
I understand fully the need for more time for our work. Sadly this is a reflection on how collective spaces for civil society participation are being decreased in UN spaces, indirectly also by making funding available for only a one day meeting for the Civil Society Forum. For the Beijing+20 review five years ago, we had two days to prepare this work. In other regions such as Africa and Asia, they have two or more days to do this work. It is good to reflect on our internal processes, and to recognize the political and financial contexts which our collective work is being squeezed into.
I think it is a very strong statement and I love that intersectional impacts and priorities were reinforced right at the beginning. There is so much that unites us and we are stronger when we work together!