WG–USA at the United Nations
Women Graduates–USA believes the foundation for a peaceful world is strengthened when women and girls are empowered by education and economic security to advocate for themselves, their families and communities, and their countries. Women Graduates–USA members are college and university graduates, graduate students, doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers. As members of WG–USA, our members are also members of Graduate Women International; WG–USA is the US Affiliate of GWI. Our international perspective informs our advocacy for social and economic justice for all women and girls.
WG–USA members and appointed WG–USA UN Representatives advocate for greater understanding and support of the United Nations and its functional commissions, UN Agreements, Treaties, Conventions and Declarations. Women Graduates–USA supports the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Platform for Action (1995 and its updates).
WG–USA was accredited Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC on August 3, 2018. An ECOSOC NGO is seen as a liaison between its national and local member associations and the UN agencies to which the NGO has access. This status invites WG-USA to provide ECOSOC with secure expert information and advice with its special competence on subjects and issues of international, regional, and national importance to women and girls. As of 2018, there were approximately 5,000 NGOs with consultative status.
WG–USA advocates for completion of the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) paying particular attention to the following:
SDG 3 - Women’s Health and Well-Being
SDG 4 - Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Lifelong Learning)
SDG 5 - Gender Equality
SDG 8.7 - Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking
SDG 10.7 - Migration and Human Trafficking
SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions
SDG 16.2 – Protect Children from Abuse and Trafficking
SDG 16.7 – Inclusive and Representative Decision-Making
SDG 17 - Partnerships
WG–USA monitors the Universal Periodic Reviews (UPRs) and the documents, actions and resolutions of the Human Rights Council addressing Women’s Rights and Children’s Rights.
WG–USA annually contributes written statements for, sends delegates to and participates in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the High Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Women Graduates established the Global Impact Committee to facilitate its connections between members and the United Nations. This WG–USA committee coordinates member participation at annual UN Commission on the Status of Women, both at the UN and the NGO Forum. As needed, the WG–USA Global Impact Committee presents webinars to inform members of global issues being address within the UN.
WG–USA welcomes partnership with like-minded NGO’s to promote opportunities to learn more about WG–USA and the United Nations. Interested? Contact us at info@wg-usa.org.