2015 Delegates

Delegates - 2015

Gemma Welsh, 17
Studying: Chemistry, Spanish and English

From cat-calling, to (in)equal pay, systematic violation during war, to the danger in too many parts of the world from the most natural act of giving birth, there are endless symptoms of gender inequality. My fervent belief in the importance of equality of men and women led me to, among other things, join the feminist society at my school, fundraise for the empowering charity Naserian and involve myself in campaigns such as 'No More Page 3'. Debating at European Youth Parliament and British Parliamentary events first showed me the power of raising current issues to public attention and that of young people, and gave me the courage to join NAWO YWA and participate in CSW.
However, despite my enthralled anticipation of CSW59 I don't think I could have ever truly understood what the experience would be like. I have come away with knowledge, skills, values and connections with people who inspire me with their passion and hard work. Moving forward I intend to emulate these people's passion and hard work as best I can and spread what we were privileged enough to experience and the learning which came from it with as many people as possible, and ultimately help other young people to use the capacity which they have to effect real change. 
My speech, which you can see and read about here, was how we can raise our voices for gender equality through Institutional Mechanisms, as part of NAWO's event. 

Gemma (L) and Annie (R)

Annie Thomas, 18
Studying: Politics, English and Theatre Studies

Women are just as capable, just as independent and just as inventive as men. As women, our positivity and potential is often suppressed and undermined; as if the capacity of what we can achieve is irrelevant or unworthy.

There is no reason for women to be paid less than men for doing exactly the same job. There is no reason women should be over-sexualised by today’s press. And there is no reason for women to be treated differently and be made to feel vulnerable at the hands of men. That is why exposure such as this, to the women’s cause, is something of significant importance. Taking part in European Youth Parliament and an international forum at the European Parliament in Strasbourg has shown me how change can happen on a large scale; through the collaboration of determined voices fighting for something they believe in. I will be making a speech on how legality is a method of protecting women from the injustices of certain cultures and traditions, and why this is so important.

Kathryn McGrotty, 17
Studying: Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and French

The inequality of genders is a subject I have always been thoroughly involved in and passionate about, when growing up I always studied the portrayal of women in the media, in the news and this has lead me to become involved within the feminist movement within school, express my views through my English work and organise campaigns around school about the rights of women. 

In the future, I hope to work as a doctor and help women access equal healthcare all around the world which is a critical aim in the mission statement for CSW and this unbelievable experience will help me to raise awareness of these inequalities in my future career. When returning from CSW59, I hope to inspire others within my school and community about the importance of women's rights within the world and how women are mistreated. 

Whilst in New York, at CSW I will be speaking on behalf of the Women's Alliance for a Democratic Iraq about 'Women and Conflict', this event focuses on looking back over the last 20 years at what has been happening to women in conflict and what visions we have for the future. This is an extraordinary opportunity and I am very excited to be involved within the events at CSW.

Olive Jackson, 16
Studying: Politics, English Literature, Biology and Chemistry

As a young woman and a feminist, I have experienced sexism personally of the everyday kind, and seen the inequalities that other women face around the world, and I am passionate that this needs to change. I am hopeful that someday there will be no gender inequality, from the pay gap to men's shouts of "get back to the kitchen", and I aspire to be part of this movement, striving for gender equality throughout the world. 

I am currently looking at Biomedical Sciences courses for the future, and I think that it is also essential to get more women into science and other STEM subjects, as the lack of female input in this important area allows the pay gap to widen and prevents women from also going down in history as the great scientists of our time. As I have a passion for gender equality, I am a member of the FemSoc group at my sixth form and will hopefully be helping to fundraise for Naserian, a charity promoting the rights of widows. 

I am also amazed to be given the opportunity to speak for Widow's Rights International on the subject of "Widowhood: What we have learnt and what we have left to do" at CSW59 in New York.

Sam Cooling, 16
Studying: Politics, Philosophy and Ethics, History and Geography

I've always been an Egalitarian, there's no reason not to be, however I was first drawn to feminism by the book Half the Sky. It was the first thing to really open my eyes to the inequality women face in the modern day. And it really inspired me to research and get involved in the movement, with the dream of ending gender inequality. I intend to go to university in the USA and I would like to study International Relations or Politics with the aspiration to go into diplomacy. I'm an avid debater on my school's debating team and a member of the sixth form's FemSoc, which I feel brings valuable skills for activism and campaigning. I'm also incredibly lucky to be speaking for WAFDI (Women's Alliance For a Democratic Iraq) at CSW59, with the topic being "Women and Conflict: What we have learnt from the last 20 years & looking to the future".

Maya Owen, 17
Studying: French, English Literature, Art and Theatre Studies

Gender equality is a fundamental need in society, and the fact that it is not successfully in place today is scary. Even in our developed country, women are degraded and experience sexism every day. But in less developed countries, girls are having to fight for their right to attend school. The world needs to unite in finding a way to empower women and equalise the genders in all aspects of life; economically, socially and politically. In being part of the Feminist Society at my sixth form I have had a chance to discuss these prevalent issues, which fuelled my feminist fire. I believe that attending CSW59 will be an amazing opportunity to talk to people from all over the world involved in the advancement of women.     I have no doubt that it will be eye-opening and inspiring.

I will be part of PRIDE's event, speaking on 'Education for a Peaceful World', sharing my views on current education (in all its forms) of young people and wider society.

Emma Broadbent, 17
Studying: English Literature, Politics, History and Psychology

My name is Emma and I'm a young woman and a feminist. As a member of the younger generation, I recognise how important it is that all younger men and women are educated on their rights so that they can stand for these rights; we should be targeting and encouraging more young people to get involved so that a better future can be established. I hope to go into education, as I believe it to be the most important gift and tool that we can use to exercise this vision. I was recently involved in a local human rights campaign concerned with the death penalty and the justice system, particularly in America, which also stemmed and furthered my passion for the movement of achieving equal rights.

I'm really looking forward to CSW59 and what it will mean for the future of gender equality. I will be presenting the Youth Declaration to UK Parliamentarians at CSW.

Nadia Rouhipour, 16
Studying: English, History, Government and Politics, and Geography

My awareness and inspiration for wanting to change attitudes towards women and girls stem from my mother and sister. They both conquered gender imbalances in their careers and managed their personal lives, too. Since winning national awards in photography in 2014 and 2015 I have become more conscious of the way women are represented in the media, and the impact it has on social norms. As a Bahá'i' I have strong religious beliefs; as the Bahá'u'lláh says,

"The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realised. When the two wings [...] become equal in strength, enjoying the same prerogatives, the flight of man will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary."

However, when practices harm women in any form, then they must change.

Isabelle Michelson, 17 

Studying: Politics, History and Psychology 

I believe gender equality is a fundamental truth and a key to the development of society. It is a truth men and women need to stand shoulder to shoulder to achieve and one that I am incredibly passionate about. Having taken part in a conference at the EU in Strasbourg for youth and being a member of my sixth form’s feminist society, I’m an active feminist who hopes to create a better future for everyone. As a woman hoping to study politics and potentially enter into a career involving it, I am painfully aware of the international lack of female representation of women in power and decision-making. Economically, socially and politically women currently are unable to fulfil their potential. This needs to change. I am looking forward to attending CSW59, as a forum to expand my understanding of the status of women. I hope to contribute to improving widows rights via attending talks and speaking on behalf of Widow’s Rights International on my ‘Vision for the Future of Widowhood’. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and I truly believe that gender equality is a goal we can achieve.

Edith-Clare Hall, 17
Studying: Chemistry, Physics, Maths and French

Being born at the turn of the millennium, I have spent my childhood witnessing the impacts of the Millennium Development Goals and as such would like to further their successes and help to influence and enforce the SDGs.

To me, the equality of men and women is a fundamental truth. I am currently working on two research projects (EPQs), the first an economics-based project on the impacts of social entrepreneurship versus foreign aid on mitigating women’s poverty. The second, an engineering/physics project building a cosmic ray detector. I am labelled as a “female scientist” and therefore considered immediately less capable than my male counterparts. By leading teams I try to subliminally change people's perspectives, and prove that we are all equal in our qualities and potentialities.

It was a privilege to become a member of NAWO's YWA this year, and I endeavour to use this opportunity to use my voice to speak out for those who are denied, or fear to use, theirs; in order to ensure equality and that all girls are empowered to thrive.

By being involved, in particular with the IPU's Cyber Violence and BACA's Social Entrepreneurship events, I hope to influence policy and effect change in an areas relevant to the lives of many, especially in light of the post-2015 and Beijing+20 agenda.