Since then, she has raised the profile of the IAW at United Nations consultation activities[2] and has fought for a greater role for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
[6] Recent initiatives include the IAW's "inquiry into the status of a father's responsibility for the welfare of all his children in the nations of its member organisations"; Verstegen has also spoken out on behalf of women's rights as they relate to the current debt crisis in Europe, and on global economic initiatives and their impact on women.
As a representative of a non-governmental organization, she participated in the general debate at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) following the presentation of the 2011 Millennium Development Goals.
Verstegen delivered a speech outlining the challenges remaining for girls and women struggling for equality around the globe, such as: early marriages and pregnancies; violence and sexual harassment by teachers and schoolmates, which made it dangerous for girls to attend school; child labour as a source of income or to work at home; and traditional practices of making girls less attractive to boys were noted, such as breast ironing.
[Verstegen] urged countries to include the subject of early marriage, early pregnancy and harmful traditions in all information services for parents; to prevent pregnant girls and young mothers from dropping out; to provide comprehensive sexuality education for boys and girls in school; to prosecute teachers guilty of rape or who committed other forms of violence; and to make schools safer for girls.