The 56^th Commission on the Status of Women took place in New York City from February 27 through March 15, 2012. It was a very important and unique session for rural women around the world as this year’s theme focused on “the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges”.  In particular, women delegates had the opportunity to meet with representatives from their countries and participate in meetings and side events, voicing their opinions and personal experiences to issues very applicable and significant to them.  Additionally, women were able to share their knowledge and skills amongst themselves.

The high level of participation in the session’s formal meetings and side events by government representatives and civil society generated expectations that stakeholders were ready to pay attention and provide the essential resources, to move forward the situation of rural women and girls. Unfortunately, the 56^th CSW turned out to be a disappointment and a frustration to many. The session, which opened on February 27 was supposed to have ended on March 9, but lingering negotiations on the agreed conclusions forced the Commission to extend its work by one week.  According to Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, delegates could not be of the same opinion and defeat “a disappointing inability to reach consensus”. This is a detrimental blow to rural women and those advocating for their rights and economic empowerment.  Especially since the CSW is an ideal occasion for such advocacy, and provides a platform for rural women to speak directly and candidly to governments and other NGOs.

The representative of Norway spoke very eloquently when he used the term “moral hazard” in his closing statement. “The term moral hazard is often used when someone takes risky decisions, because they know that someone else will pay if the decision is wrong. I am sad to say, this is precisely what we have witnessed at this year’s meeting of the CSW. In statements and in speeches, and in negotiations, we have seen how moral values have been evoked to deprive women of their human rights, their opportunities, and ultimately for some, their life. This is the real moral hazard of our time!”

It is regrettable that in 2012, governments and civil society cannot agree on a common solution to concerns that affects one quarter of the world’s population and are a crucial economic key to improving food security, caring for HIV/AIDS patients and alleviating poverty in rural areas globally.

Norway’s representative went on to say, “This means we have to comprise. Many will have to let go of some traditional convictions, also when they are based on religious belief or culture. After all every country, every culture and every society undergo permanent change. That’s what’s called, development”.

It is the hope of the Huairou Commission that in the near future no obstacles will stand in the way to ensure that rural women all over the world receive the necessary support so that they can see development in their communities.