Monday, March 10, 2024, will remain etched in our memories as a day of meaningful encounters, thought-provoking discussions, and powerful moments, both professionally and personally. The day began with our active participation in the parallel event held at the Church Center, where our delegation played a crucial role in preparing the venue and coordinating the session.

The event opened with a speech by Janessa Purcell, President of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), who underscored the significance of young leaders in championing human rights and gender equality. Following her introduction, I had the honor of delivering the first speech of the event. My presentation focused on an issue deeply close to my heart: the plight of women living in Africa’s mountainous regions, particularly the dire conditions faced by women in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

With profound emotion, I depicted the suffering of these women, who have endured over five decades of war, violence, and forced displacement. Despite their hardships, they remain the backbone of their communities, embodying resilience and hope. I also highlighted the struggles of Sudanese women, who have long faced conflict-driven marginalization. I emphasized that without these women, the world would not function, and that it is our collective duty to support them in tangible and lasting ways.

Louyoko Nianza, UVU Rotaract President Presenting his speech to the parallel event (Church center)

 Following my speech, other speakers took the stage to discuss social justice, women’s rights, and the struggles of marginalized communities. The session concluded with an interactive dialogue, during which we were asked about our community involvement as students and young leaders. This exchange was particularly inspiring, reinforcing the impact of our advocacy and the necessity of continuing our fight for a just and inclusive world.

In the afternoon, our delegation visited the United Nations headquarters, a symbolic and impactful moment. We explored the historic halls where global decisions are made. One of the most striking sights was the statue of Nelson Mandela at the building’s entrance—a powerful reminder of the fight for peace, human dignity, and equality among nations.

McKay Jones, UIMF Vice President, Cade Bloomer, Student, Louyoko Nianza, UVU Rotaract President, Braden Birbara, and Janessa Purcell, UIMF President, at the United Nations.

As our journey at the UN continued, we attended multiple meetings, including a session titled From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Journey Towards Women’s Empowerment. Prominent women from the Middle East, including HRH Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud, Secretary-General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, and Professor Einas Al-Eisa, President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, shared insights on their efforts to increase women’s participation in society. Professor Al-Eisa highlighted the importance of education in South Asia and outlined Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes women’s inclusion in all spheres by ensuring them greater access to learning opportunities. Notably, 35% of STEM students globally are now women, reflecting a significant shift in educational trends.

Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud and louyoko Nianza during the session titled From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Journey Towards Women’s Empowerment.

The day also featured discussions on gender equality in healthcare, with contributions from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Economic Forum, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. A central theme was the idea that women’s health extends far beyond reproductive health, encompassing research, data, and global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness. The UK’s commitment to midwifery and the advocacy of women’s networks for birth justice and respectful maternal care were highlighted as crucial steps toward gender-sensitive healthcare.

Louyoko Nianza at the World Economic Forum, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

The evening session included powerful remarks from Sarah Hendricks, UN Women’s Director for Policy Program and Intergovernmental Division. She reflected on the 1995 Beijing Declaration, a historic commitment to gender equality, and the progress made since. Despite advances such as reduced maternal mortality rates and increased access to contraception, Hendricks warned that setbacks in funding and policy threaten to reverse these gains. She called for renewed determination to uphold the commitments made decades ago, emphasizing that ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health rights is fundamental to gender equality, economic empowerment, and political participation.

 

Louyoko Nianza and Priyanka Prem Kumar at the World Economic Forum, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

This inspiring day reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible but requires unwavering collective commitment. More than ever, I feel compelled to amplify the voices of women and vulnerable communities and ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve. This is just the beginning of a transformative journey, and I am eager to continue this mission with even greater determination.

                     Louyoko Nianza, UVU Rotaract President

                    About the author: Louyoko Nianza, hailing from the Congo, is pursuing his political science education in the United States. With a deep commitment to

                    fostering transformative leadership, Louyoko is an author and a proponent of "smart-Africanism," a concept he envisions as the cornerstone for a new

                    era of true leadership in Africa. His academic pursuits and innovative ideas aim to inspire and cultivate a generation of leaders dedicated to the

                    advancement and prosperity of the African continent. Louyoko Nianza is a Visionary Rotaractor.

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STUDENT REFDLECTIVE ESSAYS

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25-03-12-McKay-Jones-UIMF Day at CSW69 A Day of Learning, Growing, and World Building

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25-03-10-Cade Bloomer My Participation at a Parallel Event at CSW69

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