Meet Kanori and Jennifer, Zonta International's youth observers for CSW70

Zonta International is pleased to introduce Kanori Koto and Jennifer Zhang as Youth Observers at the seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).

Meet Kanori Kato

Kanori Koto is the founder of Change for Her, a youth-led organization that uses education to challenge traditional norms and expand opportunities for young people to thrive. She is passionate about youth empowerment and public policy, and has presented a policy proposal advocating for entrepreneurship integration in Japan’s education system to government officials in Tokyo. Kanori is currently a high school senior planning to study public policy and political science, with the goal of reimagining Japan’s education system through policy.

What does "access to justice" mean in your life and community right now?

“Access to justice,” to me, means having the ability to participate in decision-making that shapes our future, as well as the power to challenge systems that limit opportunity. Growing up across different countries and working on education-based advocacy in Japan, I have seen how deeply entrenched norms can silence youth voices and restrict progress. For me, access to justice begins with education and policy that empower young people not only to understand their rights, but to actively shape the systems that govern their futures.

Meet Jennifer Zhang

Jennifer Zhang is a policy, research and data analyst at Protect Borrowers, a national non-profit organization working to build an economy where debt does not limit opportunity. She is passionate about breaking down financial barriers disproportionately faced by women and advancing economic inclusion, justice and resilience. She previously served as a director's financial analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Consumer Frauds Mediator for the New York State Attorney General, National Economic Policy Coordinator for the Roosevelt Network and legislative intern for Senator Elizabeth Warren. Jennifer holds a BA in political science from Columbia University and currently serves on the Roosevelt Network’s Advisory Board.

What does "access to justice" mean in your life and community right now?

As someone dedicating their career to advancing economic justice, "access to justice" to me feels both more urgent and fragile than ever. The worsening affordability crisis in the U.S. is depriving more and more Americans of access to healthcare, education, housing and opportunity itself, while the institutions we rely upon most are failing to temper a rise in authoritarianism, repression of free speech, escalated racial profiling and increased attacks on women and our rights. While this moment is disheartening, I recognize that it is only through people coming together, finding community and learning from each other, much in the Zontian spirit, that we can begin to resist and organize effectively.

4 MARCH 2026