In March, Girl Up members and staff from around the globe attended the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York City. CSW is the premier intergovernmental forum for gender equality, and 2025 marked a special occasion: the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Girl Up members wore many hats at CSW representing multiple organizations, showcasing their leadership across the civil society sector from Girl Scouts USA to the United Network of Young Peacebuilders to official national delegations. Here is what Girl Up youth and staff leaders had to say about their experience:
Diana, Brazil: “Walking into the UN building as a girl from Brazil, I thought how important it is for more girls from the Global South to occupy this space — bringing their lived experiences to the table and actively being part of global discussions. My favorite part of CSW was getting to meet girls from all over the world and how they are bringing change to their own communities in the youth forum.”
Lana, USA: “Attending CSW truly emphasized to me the importance of intersectionality. We cannot achieve any of the Sustainable Development Goals without ensuring women are in the equation. Women must be prioritized across the fields of economics, civics, education, and the environment in order for us to build a truly equitable world.”
Justina, Argentina: “My favorite moments from CSW were definitely the side events that were all about action — hearing what projects people were actually implementing in their communities was super inspiring. It felt real, like we were sharing practical ideas instead of just theories. Another highlight was the spontaneous 1:1 coffee chats with other activists and directors of organizations. Those moments of just sitting down, sharing what each of us is working on, and exploring ways to collaborate felt like genuine connections. It was exciting to see how much potential there is when we come together like that.”
Justina (right) is joined by youth leader Giovanna (left) at CSW
Anoushka, India: “CSW69 was a whirlwind of powerful conversations, and I left feeling both energized and deeply reflective. One of the most impactful moments for me was speaking on the FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) panel about youth-led solutions for food security. Sitting alongside senior diplomats and passionate changemakers, we unpacked the reality that young people aren’t just waiting for a seat at the table—we’re already leading. My recommendation being: by adopting practical, localized, and technology-driven approaches, we can ensure that young women are not just learning about sustainability, but actively leading and creating climate-smart economies… For me, CSW69 reinforced a truth I hold close: change isn’t going to come from a single sector—it’s going to take all of us. Leaving New York, I wasn’t just thinking about the problems we discussed, but about the collective power we hold to create solutions.”
Giovanna, Brazil: “The humanness of these spaces is in the small details. It is the ladybug tattoo I saw on a diplomat’s wrist; the moment we all sit on the floor for a workshop, and we can see the Band-Aids on people’s feet from the blisters of walking 18k steps per day; an officer applying lipstick before an important meeting; the brushing of teeth and combing of hair in the bathroom; the five seconds of peace we have when eating your first meal of the day knowing you only have two minutes before your next session; or the sign of relief when someone speaks your native language with you.”
Sofia, Chile: “Now is the moment to reflect and work on proposals for a better present and future for women. Girls, adolescents and youth are fundamental to achieve this. We are curious, open minded, creative, and fearless.”
Priestley, Girl Up USA Director, USA: “Financial mobility is essential for women and girls to have self-efficacy. It determines how you live, where you live, and with whom you live. It is a freedom we should champion worldwide.” — Priestley reflecting on speaking on a panel titled “Bridging Generations, Fostering Futures: Intergenerational Economic Leadership for Women’s Sustainable Growth” hosted by UNA Women.
Priestley is pictured fourth from left
Megan, USA, Girl Up Manager, Youth Leadership, USA: “Seeing our youth leaders on panels, in discussions, and in community with each other provided me with a grounding sense that the movement for gender justice is in good hands. The youth I saw were asking the important questions, pushing the status quo, and seeking action from the adults in the room. I truly believe that’s how progress happens.”
Meg, center, with Girl Up members at a CSW parallel event.
