Aggies attend UN Commission on the Status of Women in NYC

Over spring break, several students at Utah State University traveled to United Nations headquarters in New York City to attend the annual U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. 

Leaders, educators, and women in the international workforce came together and shared ideas regarding women’s rights and the issues being faced by the female population in today’s world. Over the span of a few days, panels and meetings were held discussing various topics like women’s mental health and what different government systems countries are doing to create equality and help women rise to their potential. 

Whitney Johnson, a political science student who that attended the conference, said she learned about issues that often times do not break into the local news cycle.

“I think an important aspect of feminism is having a global perspective,” Johnson said.

Students were able to travel to NYC through a program in USU’s Institute of Government and Politics. The program was primarily sponsored by the Mother’s Legacy Project, an organization that focuses on women’s education and rights.

Sierra Wise, a USU student who attended the conference, said she met a fellow Aggie at the event. After sitting down at a panel, she struck up a conversation with a woman sitting next to her. The woman told her that she was from Nigeria and was working in New Jersey as a peace officer for her country. The Nigerian woman was also an Aggie.

“It was crazy,” said. “It’s incredible to realize how much we have in common with people.”

Students said they met women from all ethnicities who are working in their respective countries, helping reduce mortality rates, working in peacemaking processes and helping women gain economic access.

Bronte Ferguson, a political science and economics student who attended, said the event empowered women across the globe.

“I think the most powerful thing in attending this commission was seeing all the things women around the world are already doing,” Ferguson said. “Sometimes they just need more monetary support to actualize their plans.”

Johnson said this “eye-opening experience” would not have been possible without the support of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the IOGP.  

“I feel like the big takeaway for the general student body should be taking advantage of these opportunities,” Ferguson added.

@harleyTbarnes

harley.barnes@aggiemail.usu.edu