Where Local Action Meets Global Vision: My Experience Supporting CSW70
Stepping off the train in New York City, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. While I wasn’t attending the official Seventieth Session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW70) inside the UN Headquarters, I was in the city to support UNA‑USA’s CSW70 engagements. Serving as the Secondary Staff Liaison for the UNA-USA Women’s Affinity Group goes hand‑in‑hand with my role as the Chapter Engagement Intern at UNA‑USA, and this trip gave me the chance to see that work in action.
Attending the UNA‑USA parallel event, “From Grassroots to Global: The Kentucky Justice Model to Combat Sextortion Worldwide”, was extremely meaningful to my experience. The conversation brought together US grassroots advocates and a representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to highlight how local organizing can influence both national and global policy. As a woman committed to human rights and the 17 SDGs, seeing that bridge between local-level action and international frameworks was inspiring. The Kentucky Justice Model presented during the event was a clear example of how coordinated advocacy can lead to real policy change. Hearing about practical strategies to address sextortion (and the push for legislative harmonization) left me feeling motivated to keep contributing to this movement.
What stayed with me most was the sense of solidarity among the women I met. Being part of the UNA-USA Women’s Affinity Group meant being surrounded by people who are pushing for progress in their own communities and professions. After the event, we hosted a delegate meet‑up, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. Topics ranged from cybersecurity to capitalism to individualism; big issues, but discussed in a way that felt real and personal. It was refreshing to be in a room where people could be honest, thoughtful, and still have fun. We need reminders that community is just as important as the work itself.
New York itself added to the experience. Moving through the city, you could feel how many worlds overlap in one place. Even in the middle of the constant motion, there was a shared sense of purpose among everyone gathered at the UN Headquarters for CSW70. This opportunity reinforced something I already believed: real progress toward an equitable world isn’t possible without prioritizing women’s rights. I’m grateful to have been part of it, and I’m returning home with a clearer sense of direction and a stronger commitment to this work. My hope is that experiences like this encourage more people to get involved and help drive the change we need.
