Meet Inika and Selin, members of #GenerationZonta

Zonta International is pleased to invite Inika Narayan, a 2024 Young Women in Public Affairs Awardee, and Selin Tegethoff, a 2023 Young Women in Public Affairs Awardee, as Youth Observers at the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).

Meet Inika Narayan
Passionate about gender equality and international law, Inika is an advocate that seeks to amplify young women's voices at CSW69, using her experiences in public speaking, legal studies and community engagement to bridge cultural gaps, promote education and drive meaningful policy change. 

Why did Inika want to be a Zonta Youth Observer?
In a world often filled with empty promises, action and empathy are essential. Volunteering at the Parramatta Women’s Shelter has illuminated the stark gender inequalities within my hometown. My goal is to deepen my understanding of these issues through CSW69 and collaborate with local organizations to empower women by fostering support networks and educational programs, contributing to a more equitable future for all.

As an Australian-Indian girl, I have witnessed the restrictions on female autonomy, particularly through my grandmother’s experience with patriarchy. This awareness of the barriers women face in India inspires me to step into the role of a Youth Observer. I aspire to promote women’s education and challenge outdated customs in my community and I am committed to bridging the gap between traditional views and modern ideals of gender equality, aligning my passion for international relations with the development of policies that enhance the treatment of women worldwide.

Being selected as Zonta Internatinal's Youth Observer inspires me to embrace challenges outside my comfort zone. By representing the voices of younger generations, I can elevate the concerns of young women who are often overlooked in international discussions. This role empowers me to advocate for female empowerment while learning from global leaders, allowing me to bring that knowledge back to my local community and university. to share that knowledge with my local community and university.

Meet Selin Tegethoff
Selin is a passionate advocate for women's rights, education and STEM. She is dedicated to making Zonta more inclusive and engaging for young women worldwide by leveraging digital communication and intergenerational collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Why did Selin want to be a Zonta Youth Observer?
Serving as Zonta International's Youth Observer at CSW69 presents a powerful platform for me to amplify my voice and instigate meaningful change for women’s education and empowerment. I view this role not merely as a reward, but as a profound responsibility—to take action, grow, and drive transformation. By leveraging Zonta's networks and resources, I aim to expand my perspective, collaborate with like-minded women, and ignite inspiration in others.

My commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls in education and STEM fuels my desire to make impactful contributions to global change. As I embark on my career journey, my passion for making a difference continues to grow. However, authentic engagement thrives on support from strong communities and a platform that reaches wider audiences.

I've observed that Zonta sometimes faces challenges in engaging effectively with young women, appearing exclusive despite its significant influence. Through my experience at CSW69, I hope to foster intergenerational collaboration and enhancing Zonta's appeal to young women and students across the globe.

With my background in medical informatics and digital communication expertise, I plan to make the discussions and outcomes of the CSW accessible through engaging content like blogs, vlogs, and social media campaigns. This approach will illustrate that advancing gender equality is a mission for everyone, regardless of age, while solidifying Zonta's global relevance and impact.

In summary, the Zonta Youth Observer role empowers me to contribute to meaningful change by advocating for the issues that resonate most with young women today, especially amid a world rich with political and economic challenges.

12 MARCH 2025