The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women, will be holding its 57^th session on the Status of Women this year.  The Salvation Army Director of Social Services in Kent County, Betty Zylstra, has been appointed to serve as one of The Salvation Army’s representatives.

The Salvation Army has been engaged with the United Nations since 1947 through the International Social Justice Commission based in New York as well as through their International Representative to the United Nations.  The Commissions was established by ECOSOC in 1946 with an aim to prepare recommendations and reports to the Council on promoting women’s right in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields.  The Council also makes recommendations to the Council on urgent problems requiring immediate attention in the field of women’s rights.  This year, the Commission’s priority theme will be the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The session will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 1 – 10, 2013.