President’s Message

by Vanessa Brooks

I have accepted to serve as President of UNWA to ensure continuity in the organisation at a time when there is significant transition. I am hopeful that many of you will step forward and take ownership of the organisation and ensure that it fulfills specific needs and priorities of UN women in Bangladesh.

I see these priorities as transitioning UN women and families into Bangladesh, providing a network in the social and cultural context for UN families and affiliates, and serving the community of Bangladesh through social and economic development projects.

Reflecting on my experience with UNWA, particularly during the millennium year, was that the organisation fulfills the needs of its members in different ways. Not everyone needs the same outputs from UNWA. So why should every person’s input be the same?

There is a role for those women whose entire UN experience is one of supporting a spouse and a family in different posts. If you are one of these women, consider undertaking some primary responsibilities within the organisation that include leadership roles. If you are the person in your family working in Bangladesh, you may provide some specific skill to UNWA. If you are an associate member, be clear on what the organisation needs, what it is you are seeking and how you can contribute.

What I am committed to do over the next several months is to work with the new Board and identify some next steps for UNWA.

I will have to step down in September because of personal and professional commitments. I believe by that point the transitional needs of UNWA will be fulfilled. I wish to thank outgoing President Tazeen Rehman for her leadership.

Finally, I am asking each of you to take ownership and give direction to UNWA. Whether UNWA remains relevant and necessary in Bangladesh is dictated by your input and participation. The organisation can merely survive on the shoulders of a few. It will only thrive with the participation of its full membership. If everyone contributes one thing, we will prosper as an organisation that is relevant and reflects the UN spirit at a time when it is critical for us to do so.