The Sixty-Seventh Session Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) started on the 6th of March.
The very first time I arrived in New York City on 5th March and met my wonderful colleagues after a long time and some of them for the first time. I could not wait for the moment I would step foot for the first time in the UN headquarters. Thanks to World YWCA for this opportunity and the platform to experience and witness this wonderful event.
During these two weeks, I have attended multiple sessions and events. My experience at the CSW67 Forum far exceeded my expectations. It was informative, challenging and inspiring. I was amazed to hear how different countries people are working hard to make a difference in their communities.
My two other co-team members and I started selecting events we could attend. But besides that, we had some of the events organized by World YWCA. The breakfast with the Australian Government was special because we got to present our RiseUp! work in different countries and our leadership journey in front of the Australian Ambassador of Gender Equality and many other respected attendees. And it was a great chance to meet different youth leaders from around the world working on similar work in their countries, and glad we could inspire them through our discussion.
The highlight of my week was the privilege to be at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN for the 17th International Helvi Sipilä Seminar My Body is Mine Women’s Human Rights and Technological Innovations. It was a great experience because I shared my experience with young women from different communities and the barriers to using technology in this rural area. Thanks to World YWCA and YWCA Finland for this wonderful opportunity.
I also attended the Rally for International Women’s Day. And the Malala Fund Young Women’s Gathering, where I got to meet different organizations closely.
Another event worth highlighting was the youth forum held on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and was amazed by the hundreds of young women in attendance and their powerful voices. The stories they shared and their boldness were truly remarkable. Despite some attendees being unable to make it due to visa issues, their online presence allowed them to connect and participate fully.
I found it interesting and encouraging to hear the young Palestinian women’s practices of their digital rights.
Clara DCosta
RiseUp! Youth Lead, YWCA of Bangladesh.
