Zonta International Youth Observer reflects on CSW68 experience

Aparna Parthasarathy represented Zonta International as a Youth Observer for CSW68. A 2023 Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Awardee, Aparna is passionate about remedying structural inequalities, closing educational gaps and representing Generation Z's values to shape legislation with elected officials.  

"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”

This quote echoed in my mind as I attended the 68th Annual Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women this March in New York. As the Zonta International youth observer, I absorbed the various experiences, stories, and viewpoints of intellectual, passionate, and inspirational women from all around the world. My time at the United Nations presented me with a vast array of knowledge and I left feeling empowered in taking these lessons with me to my community and my high school.

My first session began on Monday when I attended an event for women in the Gaza Strip and the devastation in Palestine. Hearing the stories of Palestinian mothers experiencing food insecurity and the meals they needed to skip to feed their children moved the audience to tears. One of the most important things I noticed was a general commitment from many member states and NGOs for women to be involved in peace talks and negotiations. These groups are beginning to understand the role of women as they are voices not only for themselves and their family but also for hundreds and thousands of women. Conflict is heavily involved in our world, from Palestine to Ukraine, to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and creating a platform for women to engage in conflict resolution may ensure lasting peace.

I also hope to take back to my feminist efforts the many of the moments of inspiring women sharing their stories. Two sessions that had the largest impact on me, for separate reasons, were about widowhood, and human trafficking. I had previously never considered widowhood as a barrier to female empowerment and women’s rights, but I quickly learned of the multiple violations that widows are subject to, including disinheritance, discrimination and harmful cultural practices. As I have started to create a curriculum for my high school centered around feminism, I have researched female-centered crises around the world, and the plight of widows was one that I had neglected. However, having attended this event, I noticed how women are not protected even when at their most vulnerable.

Another one of my favorite side events was the last one I attended; it focused on the prevention of human trafficking and sex trafficking. After hearing the deeply personal story of a survivor, I learned how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the methods by which victims are kidnapped and how AI poses an increased level of danger for women. As someone who has grown up with technology and has seen its benefits, this session made me aware of the dangers posed by our reliance and dependency on the internet and the necessary precautions that women must take to ensure their safety. The women who spoke in the session were incredibly motivating and inspiring for their ability to use their voices and share the stories of how they overcame the prejudice that bound them. 

The highlight of my week was being part of a panel on strengthening systems of gender equity. As a young woman of color, I was able to provide a perspective on social media, sustainable change and the cyclical patriarchy. Being able to advocate for my generation, which is often brushed aside due to our age or lack of experience, was truly important to me. I believe that spaces such as the United Nations provide a medium for dialogue, and, integrating the people who will be taking charge of this world can truly allow for a beneficial exchange of knowledge.

It was amazing to hear of all the work that both Zonta International and UNICEF are doing to help women. Whether it be through measures to end child marriage, or addressing how climate change disproportionately impacts women, I felt incredibly honored to be able to share the youth perspective on these issues, especially about utilizing tools such as social media in mobilizing hundreds of women towards the cause. I truly believe that the CSW gave me hope for the future – that my generation and future generations will not face the same issues as my mother and grandmother do as they fight the same patriarchal beast as centuries past. We will be able to loosen the shackles of hundreds and thousands of women. 

27 MARCH 2024