In a world where gender equality feels precarious, young people are proving to be the catalysts for change. The recent CSW69 Youth Forum highlighted their unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights despite the turbulent geopolitical backdrop. Activist Ishaan Shah emphasised, “there are people, especially young people who are holding the line, who are pushing forward progress.”
The resilience of the youth shines bright, as activists unanimously echo their determination in the face of adversity. “We’re not backing down,” declared the collective spirit at the forum, where discussions focused on strategies to bolster the Beijing+30 Action Agenda. Rabeb Aloui expressed the importance of unity, stating, “we need to resist. We will find a lot of these backlashes, but we should not step back.”
Encouraging the inclusion of young boys into gender conversations, Ishaan Shah stated the significance of education in fostering a collaborative atmosphere for gender equality. Mei Matsuda highlighted the need to convey the essence of equality, asserting that the empowerment of women does not diminish men’s rights.
Youth leaders urged their peers to embrace their potential to drive societal change. “You have the power to push forward progress on gender equality,” Ishaan advised, while Anne Heloise Barbosa called for combining online activism with tangible, grassroots efforts.
Positive strides towards gender equality were celebrated, with Küyenray Rupayan noting Chile’s constitutional changes led by women’s leadership. Similarly, initiatives in Brazil signalling advancements in care work policies have invigorated the movement. Young feminists are emerging as crucial players in shaping gender equality efforts globally, demonstrating the power of youth in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.
Young activists at the CSW69 Youth Forum are leading the charge in the fight for women’s rights amid global setbacks. With a shared commitment to the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, they are determined to resist backlash and push for progress. Key discussions highlighted the importance of engaging young boys and fostering collaborative efforts in both online and grassroots activism. Recent positive advancements, particularly in Chile and Brazil, demonstrate the potential for meaningful change driven by youth.
The unwavering spirit of today’s youth is pivotal in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality. With their strategic approach and determination, they are not simply passive observers but active participants striving for change. The successful efforts in various regions are a testament to their resilience and vision, ensuring that the conversation around equality continues to gain momentum. In embracing both solidarity and action, young people today are indeed the architects of a fairer future for all.
Original Source: www.unwomen.org
