The active involvement of youth in international forums is key to building a brighter future. Youth bring their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, which inspire collaboration and drive change. Their long-term commitment ensures the sustainability of these goals, while their adaptability and resilience help us navigate the complex challenges of our time. By empowering and including young people, we unlock the full potential of the SDGs, bringing us closer to a more equitable, environmentally responsible, and prosperous world for all.
The Inter-Council Network is proud to work with youth from across Canada in order to ensure that their voices have the opportunity to be heard at the Sixty-Eighth Session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW68).
The sixty-eight session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place from 11 to 22 March 2024, and its priority theme is: Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@icn-rcc.ca
About the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
Frequency: Annual
Location: New York City, United States
Delegation type: ECOSOC
Sending delegations since: 2022
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards.
During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities discuss progress, gaps, and further actions in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women.
As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), YDC brings Delegates from across Canada to engage in the CSW including through submitting written statements, oral interventions, or organizing side/parallel events. This opportunity enables YDC delegates to engage with stakeholders in Canada and abroad to inform their position and advocate for it domestically.
Meet our Youth Delegates
Jasmine Cha
Jasmine is a Digital Changemaker and Social Troubleshooter who is dedicated to leveraging her skills for genuine impact. She is a recognized member of Alberta's Top 30 Under 30 for her unwavering commitment to reducing inequality around the world. Her advocacy for peace and justice is reflected in her work towards resolving tech challenges and devising innovative solutions for social issues, actively pursuing positive change in her community and on a global scale.
Passionate about utilizing her expertise to amplify voices for change, Jasmine remains resolute in inspiring collaborative actions toward gender equality and empowerment. She is honoured to attend the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women and excited to be a part of shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Jasmine looks forward to actively participating in CSW68 and beyond to gain insights, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of gender equality and empowerment globally.
Solstice Sarin-Toews
Hello! My name is Solstice Toews. I am a Registered Nurse from the Yukon, currently living and working in the Okanagan. I am passionate about women’s health and advocacy. I am hoping to start a Master’s in Nursing in the fall of 2024, with my focus being on better understanding women’s pain and how it is assessed and treated in a health care context. Through my professional practice and in my personal life I hope to work with others towards closing the health equity gap in Canada and around the globe. I completed a bachelor of science in nursing at UBCO and have worked in a number of hospital and community settings, including a women’s clinic providing reproductive care. I am just beginning to branch out from healthcare work to a more global advocacy perspective. I hope to continue to learn and be inspired through ICN and the CSW68, and to bring this knowledge into my community and work. I know that this conference will be a great way to become more involved in the work being done to strive for equality and empowerment, which I am very passionate about and believe will positively affect communities, our planet, and quality of life for all.
Samantha Saksagiak
I am Samantha Saksagiak. I come from Nain, Nunatsiavut. I am inuk. Inuit are an indigenous group in Canada. I am a youth leader pursuing law to become a lawyer and I am currently doing my degree at Memorial University. I am honored to be involved in the CSW68 conference because inuit voices need to be heard and listened to, youth voices need to be listened to. I have a unique perspective, coming from a small, isolated inuit community where the land and people are so beautiful, but we are struggling to survive. Indigenous people in Canada are being denied our basic human rights such as access to clean drinking water. My goal in life is to help people. One thing I wish to come from this conference is that people will be helped and voices will not only be heard, but that action will happen to help inuit and those all over the world.
Muhaddisa Sarwari
Muhaddisa Sarwari is an 18-year-old Hazara activist and public speaker from Afghanistan. As a Loran scholar, she is studying Political Science at the University of British Columbia. Before arriving in Canada four years ago, Muhaddisa lived as a stateless refugee in Indonesia for five years, with no access to formal education. Having to overcome the obstacles stacked against her education, and the harsh living situation for refugees in Indonesia, Muhaddisa used her ongoing struggles as fuel for growth. Muhaddisa is passionate about advocating for the rights of refugees and Afghan women and girls’ education, and she strongly believes that one’s disadvantages do not define their future. Muhaddisa is excited to engage in powerful discussions and ideas at the CSW68 to grow the extent and reach of her advocacy work and be a voice for the girls of Afghanistan.
Rae Jardine
Rae Jardine is a dynamic community organizer, activist, facilitator, and consultant. She has worked in social justice, human rights, health, meaningful youth engagement, and gender equity spaces for over 7 years. Rae currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of SRHR Hubs, a loud and proud youth-led organization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Rights from St. Thomas University and a Master of Arts in Global Development Studies from Queen’s University. She has continued her education, training as a Sex Educator, Full Spectrum Doula, and certifying in Perinatal Mental Health, and is currently working towards a Social Service Worker designation.
Emmanuelle Lajoie
Emmanuelle holds a bachelor's degree in international development and sociology, as well as a master's degree in international development with a specialization in feminist and gender studies. As a feminist, Emmanuelle believes in the importance to connect theoretical knowledge with field experience and connection to the base, which is why she was an active volunteer in two different women’s rights organizations while living in Ottawa. She spent three years working with various divisions of the federal department Global Affairs Canada, as well as four years with international non-profit organizations, including the International Paralympic Committee. She is now working as Institutional Partnership, Gender and Inclusion Officer at Humanity & Inclusion Canada. Thanks to these experiences, Emmanuelle has gained solid skills in gender equality, project and proposal management, and advocacy. She is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Kaitlyn Kitzan
Kaitlyn Kitzan, a devoted business development professional with deep ties to agriculture, draws inspiration from her upbringing on a mixed farm near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Kaitlyn completed her Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business and worked in the corporate agriculture world before founding Kitzan Strategic Solutions. Beyond her professional pursuits, she actively contributes to the community and holds leadership positions in organizations like the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association and Equal Voice. Kaitlyn's global advocacy for Canadian agriculture took her to international platforms and earned her a nomination for the Young Women of Distinction award in Saskatchewan. Whether championing agriculture or empowering youth, Kaitlyn continues to make a positive impact through dedication and leadership.
Divya Sharma
Divya Sharma is a determined and driven young woman with a passion for giving back to our community. At the age of 19 she is experienced with community engagement, the public and non-profit sector, government, and student politics. In addition to being the youngest board member of several organizations. Divya carries the spirit of seva with her after moving to Winnipeg at the age of 9 and takes pride in continuing to volunteer.
Through her roles, whether as VP Community Engagement at the University of Manitoba Students' Union or Director of Communications at Community of Big Hearts, she has championed campaigns promoting women's empowerment by addressing issues like period poverty and strengthening institutions whether government related or in academia. Serving on various boards, including the Manitoba Provincial Women’s Advisory Council, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, CBC Advisory Board, Inclusion Winnipeg and several others have deepened her commitment to gender equity.