By Paige LaCombe

We are looking ahead to next spring when the 70th Conference On the Status of Women (CSW70) will be held at the UN. In preparation for that event I am focusing on the empowerment and peace building commitments of Servas women. My workshop will include the topics noted below.

Part one: Servas and Empowerment: How many of you are in Servas International as a traveler or host? Do you plan on going to a different country, staying with families and sharing a meal… what countries do you want to visit?

This leads to a very important question, How does this empower you as an individual? How do you grow when you travel? What do you learn?

Travel is not just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering new parts of ourselves. For most people, especially in today’s world, travel is a profound act of empowerment.

When we step outside of our daily routines and comfort zones, we challenge the stories that society has written for us. Traveling gives us the courage to write our own. Each journey—whether across the ocean or across town—reminds us of our independence, our resilience, and our strength.

Travel teaches us adaptability. From navigating unfamiliar streets to learning new languages, we grow more confident with every step. We realize that our voices matter, our perspectives are valuable, and our ability to connect across cultures is limitless.

It also reminds us of our shared humanity. Meeting people from other parts of the world—men and women with dreams, families, and challenges of their own—creates bonds that transcend borders. These connections are powerful; they remind us that we are never alone in our journey toward equality, opportunity, and respect.

For many people, travel is not only a privilege but also a declaration: I belong everywhere. I am free to explore. I am capable of leading my own path. 

In a world that sometimes underestimates us, traveling becomes proof of our courage, our curiosity, and our determination. Travel empowers us to rise, to connect, and to inspire. And in doing so, we empower the world around us.

Part 2: Servas and our Peace Building mission: building knowledge, support and community

Not everything is perfect or easy: Travelers may face many dangers especially when traveling alone. Women have different freedoms in various countries. Cultures are a part of the experience you will have when traveling.

• In some countries, laws or customs restrict women’s freedom of dress, movement, or interaction with men… 
• Harassment and Assault- unwanted attention
• Safety issues when traveling alone
• Lack of access to safe healthcare in emergencies
• and more…

Despite these risks, people can travel safely and confidently by preparing carefully—choosing safe accommodations, learning local customs, staying connected with trusted contacts, and trusting their instincts.

This leads us to the reason you may have signed up for a membership in Servas.  We recognize this, and we want to grow Servas because it is a safer way for people to travel.  Also, added benefits are that Servas people want to host visitors and can often look out for your safety.

Servas Women believes that by empowering people you can connect cultures and build peace.

At the heart of it, our purpose is peace. We believe that true peace is not only the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and safety for every person. By standing against violence, discrimination, and exclusion, we are helping to shape a world where men and women everywhere are free to learn, to travel, to lead, and to thrive.

This is who we are. This is what Servas Women stands for.

We also believe strongly that there is strength in a united voice. When men and women network and create international projects, something powerful happens: our voices grow louder, our ideas grow stronger, and our impact reaches farther. Together, we share knowledge across cultures, break the isolation that so many women face, and transform individual struggles into collective action. We support each other, mentor each other, and inspire the next generation of leaders. And because these projects cross borders, they carry weight—demanding attention, attracting resources, and creating lasting change. This is the true power of women and men coming together: turning personal empowerment into collective power, and collective power into a more equal, peaceful world.

Part 3: What can we do for global peace? Attending an international event at the United Nations: Commission on the Status of Women and participating in peace building activities on a global level

Our purpose is simple, yet powerful. We work to advance gender equality and protect the human rights of women and girls everywhere. We do this in many ways:

• By raising our voices at the United Nations, especially during the annual Commission on the Status of Women, where we bring Servas values to the global stage.
  
  
• By supporting women in local communities—helping mothers, promoting girls’ education, and ensuring that women can travel safely and confidently.
  
  
• By building connections among ourselves, sharing knowledge, needs, and experiences across generations and cultures; so that young women bring energy and innovation, while experienced women bring wisdom and perspective.

Servas Women is more than a group—it is a platform. A platform where women can speak about their struggles, share their dreams, and find solidarity across borders.

Part 4: Commission on the Status of Women (A conference for women to share the status in their country, this year's focus is on JUSTICE) This year we will participate in the CSW70 conference at the UN. I ask that if you have participated at a previous CSW, would you share your experience for those who might like to attend? (In the recording you can listen to responses of the participants).

• Virtually
• In-person
• Parallel Events

• The CSW70 is in March of 2026. 
• Applications for In-Person participation are due October 14, 2025. 
• The application for virtual attendance is ongoing until the end of January 2026. 

Here is a link the CSW70 Application form.

If you would like to learn more here is a link to the Servas Women Video. To watch the video, use the following Passcode: ^$2yhRY!

Questions? Contact servaswomen@servas.org