Reflections from UNCSW69 Delegate

by Elon Darthard, MPH01YWCA San Gabriel Valley, YWCA San Gabriel Valley

At such a pivotal time in our nation's history, l had the esteemed honor of representing the YWCA USA as a voting delegate at the United Nations in New York City for the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Elon Darthard

Throughout the week of March 10th through March 14th, we reviewed the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing +30). This annual session of the commission has brought representatives from around the world together on the basis of global and international leadership to champion gender equality and women's empowerment. Being that this is the biggest gathering of gender equality advocates in the world, the annual session convenes Member States, UN entities, and accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) representatives at the United Nations with the aim of discussing progress, setting policies, identifying challenges, and setting global standards.

To put into words what this experience has meant to me would truly support and affirm the legacy that I walk in coming from the rich history of changemakers and social advocates in my very own family. With my background as a public health expert, biomedical and political science researcher, human health activist, and public speaker the conversations had surrounding the empowerment of women and girls were emotionally chilling yet socially and politically insightful. As I reflect on these moments and profound memories, I could not help but smile at the opportunity for our organization and this present generation to take up the charge. To continue in the work and fight towards uplifting the voices of the voiceless while advancing the work of our predecessors.

To the entire YWCA USA team, with a special thank you to the selection and planning committee, as well as World YWCA and the YWCA World Service Council, I am eternally grateful for all of the planning, support, and leadership that went into us as delegates being able to be in a space such as this. To my agency, the YWCA San Gabriel Valley, thank you for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity to advocate and engage in such meaningful work. While there is much work to be done, I, as many of the leaders I had the pleasure of meeting worldwide, are committed to the journey that lies ahead.

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