The reach of the Sisters of Mercy extends far and wide, reaching all paths of academia, one of which is political science. That connection came into focus earlier this year, from March 9 to 10, when the College’s political science club traveled to New York City for the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Establish in 1946, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental convention exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women as part of the United Nations.
Sister Aine O’Connor of Mercy International invited Sara Poirier ’15, the president of the political science club and political science major, to the event. “I am very grateful for Sister O’Connor’s hospitality to invite me back. I hope this will lay the foundation for Saint Joe’s students to continue going to the United Nations each year.” The two met last year at another United Nations occasion and have kept in contact since.
From left to right: Andrew Caron ’16, Sara Poirier ’15, Alexandra Craig ’17, and Tymothy Meserve ’16
As for the topic of the meeting, the UN was speaking about the rights of women. Hosted the day after International Women’s Day, some of the topics were protection of women, “Every Woman, Every Child” (a global initiative dedicated to improve the status of every woman and child), and an over-all theme of bringing women the rights and civil liberties they deserve.
Poirier says, “It was a high-energy, almost electric atmosphere. It was empowering to be a part of a global, collaborative effort with women from around the world who all gathered for a common cause.”
Poirier attended the event with the political science club officers. By representing the College and bringing her fellow students with her, she truly depicts the core values of Saint Joseph’s College, and shows how the relationship with the Sisters of Mercy is strong and diverse.
Story by Stefanie Martel ’15