Women’s rights are human rights. That’s the message one Grande Prairie woman is taking to the United Nations. This week, National Association of Friendship Centres Vice President Kelly Benning will be in New York as one of the women for the Indigenous women’s circle at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
“On Sunday I go to New York City as one of the Canadian delegates through that ministry to take a look at global issues for women and try and make sure we’re moving forward as human beings.”
Benning was chosen as a delegate in May by Women and Gender Equity, which used to be known as Status of Women Canada. She will join 11 others at the week-long conference to discuss a number of women’s issues including social protection, safe transportation, drinking water and women’s rights over their bodies. She says the biggest message she wants to spread is equality.
“Women’s rights are human’s rights. Women and gender equity is essential and we can’t leave anybody behind.”
Along with this trip, Benning was also recently presented with the Distinguished Women of Influence Award at the city’s Women of Influence Awards on International Women’s Day. The United Nations conference is the largest UN gathering outside of the annual general assembly. Benning will be there until March 15th.