On May 12th, Sharon Kotok joined the Rumi Forum and ATFA for a discussion on women’s participation.

Sharon Kotok, former foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State discussed how women participate in the political decision-making process.

When: Friday, May 12th 7.00pm -9:00pm
Where: 11200 Waples Mill Road Suite 360, Fairfax, VA 22030

Speaker’s Bio:
Sharon Kotok was a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State.  For over 20 years, she worked with the United Nations on a number of global issues including the advancement of women’s rights, a more effective UN response to humanitarian emergencies, better delivery of food aid, and an improved UN role in agricultural development.  She negotiated on behalf of the United States several UN documents, including the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the UN’s Fourth World Conference on Women.  In 2000-2001, she was detailed to the White House to be part of the World Conference Against Racism Task Force.  She retired from the State Department in 2008, but returned in 2009, to work in the Office of Global Women’s Issues, where she was part of the team that developed the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.  In 2013 and 2014, she was appointed to be a member of the U.S. delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).