United Nations Commission on the Status of Women -UNCSW

The Commission on the Status of Women is an official United Nations commission focusing on women's rights and empowerment worldwide. Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs), like YWCA USA, from all world regions are invited to the attend sessions. During the official UN sessions, Member States discuss actions to accelerate progress and promote women’s and girls' and their political, economic, and social rights. Alongside the official session, there are UN and NGO presentations and panels at the UN and nearby locations.

UNCSW69 took place March 10-21, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

YWCA USA UNCSW Delegates

Each year, the YWCA USA ensures full representation by filling all 20 delegate seats, carefully selecting individuals who will maximize the experience and bring back meaningful insights to their local associations. This return on investment is significant: delegates enhance local programming, experience elevated professional development through connecting with other global advocates and expand their perspectives as local leaders. Additionally, UNCSW creates invaluable opportunities for networking among emerging and executive leaders across the country, with intentional intergenerational dialogue that allows for mentorship, wisdom-sharing, and collaborative learning.

Delegates engage in rich conversations with global leaders, exploring policies that safeguard women’s rights, promote economic advancement, and protect the health and well-being of marginalized communities. Sessions often offer deeply personal glimpses into the lived experiences of women around the world—especially those in rural, conflict-affected, or high-risk areas. Delegates also gain critical insight into the challenges and innovations of grassroots organizations working on the frontlines to support women, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals.

This year’s delegation included YWCA Network Leaders, Board Members, Emerging Local Association Leaders, and members of the Global Relations Committee. Members of the national YWCA community were invited to apply. All applications accepted and evaluated by the Global Relations Committee. Though every delegate was not accepted, the delegates accepted were excited to represent their local associations on the global stage.

Delegates participated in several orientations with YWCA USA, YWCA Canada, and the United Nations. Delegates participated in person the first week and were invited to participate virtually week 2. Each delegate provided an experiential report that captured their experience, participation, and activism.

Ultimately, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is a vital experience that fuels global dialogue, deepens professional development, and exposes delegates to the vast and complex realities of women’s lives around the world.

Quotes from UNCSW69 Delegates

Three New UNCSW Engagement

This year, YWCA USA goal was to participate in and elevate the World YWCA Movement by engaging more with the global sisterhood. Creating partnerships and increase opportunities for engagement. This was successfully completed through YWCA USA Canada’ Anti-racism Anti-oppression grounding workshop, YWCA Canada, World YWCA, YWCA Canada, World Service Council, and YWCA USA’s networking reception, and YWCA USA, partnered with Dr. Sharon Sullivan from Washburn University, and International Public Policy Institute, to co-sponsor a parallel event at the NGO forum.

  • YWCA USA partnered with YWCA Canada to provide an Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Grounding Workshop designed to prepare both delegations for their work as they approach the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. YWCA Canada team member Amanda Arella played a key role in facilitating the workshop’s introduction. The training was led by Kayla Breelove, who outlined the core principles of ARAO: challenging false narratives, understanding trauma, humanizing experiences, building networks, and practicing self-compassion. She also provided strategies for meaningful engagement, emphasizing the importance of approaching discussions with curiosity, embracing humility and vulnerability, acknowledging mistakes, and committing to continuous growth. Additionally, she underscored the need to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the voices and needs of marginalized communities.

  • YWCA USA, partnered with Dr. Sharon Sullivan from Washburn University, and International Public Policy Institute, to co-sponsor a parallel event at the NGO forum. This feature documentary previews Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, in a powerful documentary that brings the inspiring stories of three tenacious women of color to the forefront. Each woman—Terry, a Palestinian American; Tammy, an African American; and Pearlette, an Afro-Latina, tells how they triumphed over poverty, abuse, and political oppression while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Through stunning visuals of Mt. Kilimanjaro, breathtaking animation, and deeply personal narratives, they reveal their journeys of overcoming adversity, embracing forgiveness, and immersing themselves in nature’s healing embrace.

  • This year, YWCA USA partnered with the World Service Council, YWCA Canada, and World YWCA to bring a night of networking for all sister associations around the world, who attended UNCSW. We played networking YW Bingo, had remarks from each partner, and had 7 vendor tables from local and global associations.

Significant Statistics about UNCSW - To participate in and elevate the World YWCA Movement:

  • 100% of Young Women Delegates report increased connection to World YWCA and YWCA’s around the world. (FY25, KPI)

  • 100% of the delegation was satisfied or very satisfied with their overall UNCSW experience.

  • 50% of the delegation were under 29 years old.

For information and sponsorship options regarding this unique annual event, get in touch with uncsw@ywca.org