My name is Amanda Akes I am an intern in the New York Intern Program (NYIP), one of many domestic internship programs available through the Episcopal Church. I began my journey of simple living as a part of an intentional Christian community focused on social justice and spiritual reflection in late August of 2006. When not spending time with my community at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in West Harlem, I can be found on the fifth floor of the Episcopal Church Center, in the Office of Women's Ministries.
As part of NYIP, interns are positioned at work placements throughout New York City with a special focus on social justice, and in my case, ministry. I joined the Office of Women's Ministries as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) Project and Resource Coordinator. A long title, I know, but what it all boils down to, is that I have been connecting with women and girls from around the worldwide Anglican Communion, and assisting them in coming to New York to attend the 51st Session of the UNCSW.
The 51st Session of the UNCSW focused on "the elimination of violence and discrimination against the girl child." While in New York from February 22 through March 5, 2007, over 100 Anglican women, and for the first time ever, 10 Anglican girls, participated in events at the UN. These events included plenary sessions, caucuses, parallel events, appointments with their county's mission to the UN and various networking opportunities. When they were not at the UN, the delegates met in regional groupings, got to know one another, worshiped together and truly shared their lives with their sisters from the Anglican Communion by participating in various Anglican led events.
Some of these Anglican events included an opening Eucharist (the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori presided), Girl's Claiming the Future: Hopes and Challenges (an event highlighting global issues of the girl child), a World Café (where delegates asked important questions concerning empowerment), and a closing dinner celebrating the work of the Anglican Delegation to the UNCSW. The UNCSW was an opportunity for women and girls to come together, educate themselves, gain resources, and strengthen themselves in their struggle to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women/girls in their communities, nations, churches, and provinces.
The commission flew by in a blur of crazy excitement! I met women and girls from around the world and was allotted an opportunity to learn about the conditions and challenges they encounter daily. These individuals are strong in their conviction to work for gender equality and empowerment of women/girls. I know that after arriving back in their homes, they will surely share their knowledge and experiences with their communities and continue in this most important work.
Article by Amanda Akes
For More Information on NYIP:
www.episcopalchurch.org/49662_27583_ENG_HTM.htm
http://www.newyorkinternprogram.org/