It seems our TFT community is making yet another connection with am NGO connected to the United Nations. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) includes a department that specifically engages with NGO’s that meet their criteria, and are working to make a difference in the world. I recently blogged about Dr. Ayame Morikawa’s new appointment with an NGO, World Human Facility (WHO-eu) recognized by ECOSOC.
Just a few months ago, Jenny Edwards, a TFT Foundation Board member and a professor at Fielding University, introduced me to women working with an NGO affiliated with Fielding; The Worldwide Network for Gender Empowerment (WNGE). This group works with programs in low and middle income countries that are making a difference for children, with a special focus on young women. This group also, is recognized by ECOSCO and has consultative status, a high status for an NGO affiliated with ECOSOC.
Not long ago, through this connection, I was asked to participate in a Skype session which included a woman in Tanzania who directs programs in several countries. There is a thought currently, that these programs might be more efficient and more effective if they incorporated work that directly addressed –psychological issues, such as anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. There is preliminary consideration of the possibility of incorporating TFT into one of these programs initially and there will be more exploring of this idea in the near future. Through this connection, I was invited to join three other women representing WNGE at the 60th UN Commission on the Status of Women: Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development (CSW60), starting March 14th at the UN in New York.
This will be a new experience for me, and one that I look forward to. I look forward especially, to be representing TFT at this meeting. I am so grateful to Jenny Edwards for opening this possibility for us.
Suzanne Connolly
