In a historic move, young leaders from around the globe took over the UN Women’s Commission during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) to advocate for pressing issues affecting their generation. The event, held from March 10 to 21, 2025, highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping policies for gender equality and social justice.
Key Takeaways
- Youth leaders emphasized the importance of inclusion in intergovernmental processes.
- Discussions focused on gender-based violence, poverty, and the need for holistic approaches to gender equality.
- Young activists called for concrete actions to address the challenges faced by marginalized groups, including women with disabilities and Indigenous peoples.
Youth Voices Demand Action
During an interactive dialogue, young panellists from countries such as Canada, Nepal, Nigeria, and Panama shared their experiences and proposed solutions to ongoing challenges. Ema Meçaj, a medical student from Albania, stressed the need for preventive measures against gender-based violence and poverty, urging for a focus on the most vulnerable populations.
Eva Chiom Chukwenele, a peer counsellor from Nigeria, highlighted the importance of including women with disabilities in the conversation. She pointed out the lack of data on this group, stating, "If there is no data, how can you be counted?" Her call for inclusive data collection and accessible education resonated with many attendees.
The Role of Men and Boys in Gender Equality
Ahdithya Viseweswaran, a youth leader from Canada, emphasized that men and boys must be active participants in the fight for gender equality. He argued that the burden should not solely fall on women to navigate patriarchal systems. Instead, he proposed a framework that encourages young men to redefine masculinity in ways that promote empathy and justice.
Collective Action for Change
Laura Dihuignidili Huertas, a youth leader from Panama, spoke passionately about the challenges faced by Indigenous women in Latin America. She called for collective action to fulfill the commitments made in the Beijing Platform for Action, stating, "We are the generation that can make a reality of the dreams of Beijing, but this can only be possible if we rise up, organize, and mobilize."
Inspiring Future Generations
Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, praised the youth for their leadership and commitment to advancing gender equality. She noted that young feminists are not just participants but are mobilizing both online and offline to create a future free from violence and inequality. "We cannot build a just future without those who will inherit it," she said, urging the youth to continue their advocacy.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to support youth-led initiatives and ensure that their voices are heard in global decision-making processes. As the dialogue continues, the message is clear: without the active participation of youth, there is no future for gender equality.
