The Youth Champions, Shreya and Olivia, share their recent experiences attending the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) in New York City. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like for Canadian youth delegates to participate in a high-profile, international advocacy event. Shreya and Olivia explain how they got the opportunity and the challenges and learning opportunities that come with navigating UN conferences. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, meaningful youth engagement in policies and activism, and the importance of community-based movements in creating change. The episode is filled with practical tips for first-time attendees of global forums, including networking strategies and personal stories about sharing your voice, meeting your role models, and knowing your value. They wrap up with advice about how to start taking action on the issues you care about today.

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.