Forum on the Human Dignity of Women in Contemporary Society at UN

St. John’s and Holy See Mission Sponsor Forum on the Human Dignity of Women in Contemporary Society at UN

St. John’s University students and faculty joined 250 ambassadors, state and non-governmental organizations on March 11, 2009, at the United Nations Secretariat for a panel discussion titled: “The Human Dignity of Women in Contemporary Society: Caregiving within the Family.”  The fourth in a series, this topic coincided with the priority theme of the 53rd session of the Commission for the Status of Women held from March 2-13 at the UN in New York.

His Excellency Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, presided at the event, which was coordinated by Sr. Margaret John Kelly D.C., Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University. Attendees examined concepts of human dignity, vulnerability, dependence and caregiving as well as policies and programs that assist and hinder family caregiving.  In addition, best practices developed by the Catholic Church in Africa to assist families who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS were also presented during this dynamic, thought-provoking discussion.

“This side event offered a wealth of information and successful service models to a very diverse group of participants,” says Sr. Kelly. “Through their scholarship, our faculty members are making a significant contribution to furthering the cause of women around the world and investing in the future of the family as well.”

The panel discussions examined caregiving within the family, from a Catholic Social Thought perspective and explored methods to support families both from a policy perspective as well as examining services for families dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Panelists included: Marilyn A. Martone Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Linda M. Sama Ph.D., Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Professor of Management at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; and Sr. Marie- Bernard Alima Mbalula, S.J.A.E. , the Executive Secretary of the Congolese Bishops Justice and Peace Commission.  Mary Ann Dantuono, J.D., Associate Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society, moderated the panel.  

“The UN is a forum for the member states to examine the ‘signs of the times’ and engage in problem solving,” says Ms. Dantuono. “Side events offer the opportunity to add to the formal debates and dialogue and to explicate the general discussion of topics with reflections on values and moral principles.”

The event was co-sponsored by the Path to Peace Foundation, Franciscans International and the Vincentian Center. The Holy See side event exemplifies St. John’s commitment to its Vincentian mission of service to the Church in collaborative endeavors to support education and services to assist the poor and vulnerable.