Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Register Now!
NGO CSW70 Virtual Parallel Event
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 12:30–2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
The National Episcopal Church Women (NECW) invites members and partners nationwide to stand in solidarity and take action in response to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)—a devastating reality affecting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond.
Rooted in faith, prayer, compassion, and advocacy, NECW recognizes the urgent call to raise awareness, support healing, and work alongside Indigenous leaders to seek justice and ensure the safety of Native women and their families.
Join us for a powerful virtual panel discussion led by Indigenous leaders of the Episcopal Church. Together, they will explore the deep historical injustices, systemic violence, and complex jurisdictional challenges that continue to fuel this crisis—and highlight pathways toward accountability, healing, and hope.
All are welcome. Your presence matters.
National ECW Participation in the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women
Over the past year, the National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Board’s Social Justice initiative has focused on advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Building on this important work, the Board is now bringing this issue to the global stage through participation in CSW 70 via NGO/CSW parallel events.
The NGO/CSW70 gathering will take place both virtually and in person from March 9–19, 2026, making participation accessible regardless of location. All Episcopal Church Women are warmly invited to join these free public events as part of our shared commitment to justice and advocacy. Please register for these free events and workshops at https://ngocsw.org/. Once you have registered you will be brought to the Whova app. Please navigate to the agenda tab and then search by date for our event. You will discover, you have access to hundreds of workshops. Our workshop will be held at 12:30 EST on March 11. Add us to your agenda. Then on that date and time open the Whova app and join us as we live stream the event.
Indigenous Episcopal leaders will share insights on this critical issue and offer guidance on how individuals, congregations, and communities can advocate for justice, healing, and change. Our workshop leaders include The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, Province VIII ECW President Madeline Sampson, The Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg and The Rev. Deacon Twila Two Bulls.
Understanding the Difference Between the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and NGO/CSW70 Parallel Events
Each year, women and advocates from across the globe gather around the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the world’s principal intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing gender equality. Alongside this official UN gathering is a dynamic and accessible space for civil society engagement known as NGO/CSW, which hosts parallel events that amplify grassroots voices and lived experience. While closely connected, these two spaces serve distinct—and complementary—roles in the global movement for justice.
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). CSW brings together representatives of UN Member States to assess progress on women’s rights, address emerging challenges, and negotiate Agreed Conclusions that help shape international policy and commitments.
Participation in CSW sessions primarily involves government delegations and accredited organizations. The work is formal and diplomatic, focused on policy negotiation, accountability, and global frameworks for change. In essence, CSW is where governments meet to set priorities and make commitments on behalf of women and girls worldwide.
For CSW 70, the priority theme is ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, a focus that resonates deeply with many ongoing advocacy efforts within faith communities and civil society.
NGO/CSW and Parallel Events
Running concurrently with CSW, NGO/CSW is organized by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY). This coalition of civil society organizations and individuals advocates for gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity. While NGO/CSW works closely with the UN, it is not a UN body and does not engage in formal negotiations.
Instead, NGO/CSW facilitates parallel events—sessions organized by NGOs, faith-based groups, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations. These events are open to the public and free to attend. Parallel events may take many forms, including panels, workshops, worship services, storytelling sessions, and strategy conversations. NGO/CSW70 refers to these civil society events connected to the 70th session of CSW, offering a powerful opportunity for voices outside government to be heard.