New York, USA
2023 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 67
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards.
During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities discuss progress, gaps, and further actions in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women.
As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), YDC brings Delegates from across Canada to engage in the CSW including through submitting written statements, oral interventions, or organizing side/parallel events. This opportunity enables YDC delegates to engage with stakeholders in Canada and abroad to inform their position and advocate for it domestically.
Rachel Radyk, Head Delegate
Rachel Radyk (WaabanoKwe) is an AnishinaabeKwe and proud member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island. She is a Registered Nurse with a passion for Indigenous health and leadership and youth empowerment. Rachel has a passion for public speaking and has delivered 40+ presentations for a wide range of organizations. Rachel strives to educate future nurses on Indigenous health through speaking engagements and has spoken at many schools across Ontario.
Serving as the Program Manager of Indigenous Health for the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Rachel spearheads various Indigenous health programs.
A well-known advocate and award-winning healthcare leader, Rachel strives to bring awareness and positive change within nursing education. Key examples of Rachel’s impact include pioneering the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for the Indigenous population in a mass vaccination clinic, serving as a Chair and Co-Founder of the Indigenous Nurses and Allies Interest Group for the RNAO and championing Indigenous patient navigation in the local hospitals.
She is attending Western University for the Master of Nursing in Professional Nursing Practice program in the fall. Rachel is passionate about braiding Indigenous knowledge and is participating in the Head & Heart Indigenous research fellowship.
Fahreen Budhwani, Communications Coordinator
Fahreen is a government relations consultant based out of Calgary, Alberta. She helps clients navigate the dynamic political landscape in Canada and engages with all levels of government to advance client priorities. Fahreen is particularly passionate about leveraging her expertise to help clients in the non-profit and social impact sectors.
In her spare time, Fahreen hosts an intersectional feminist podcast called Super Smash Hoes. Through the podcast, Fahreen has had the opportunity to interview feminists from around the world. She has also honed her digital marketing and communications skills through her work as a podcast host and content creator. Her work has been featured in The Japan Times, AJET Connect Magazine, Feature Female, and more. Before entering her current role, Fahreen held positions at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Japan, at the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, and at an international development consultancy.
Fahreen has a bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Birmingham, a Masters in Gender and Public Policy from the London School of Economics, and a Masters in Law from the University of Law in London. Fahreen also spent a year studying abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.
Esli Chan, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Esli Chan is a PhD Political Science candidate at McGill University. Her current research interests focus on emerging online extremist groups and the recruitment of women through social media platforms.
Her recent publications in Violence Against Women and Harvard Women’s Policy Journal analyze the connections between gendered violence, extremism, and international cybersecurity standards.
Esli holds a Masters of Science in Risk Analysis from King’s College London, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from McGill University. Through her studies, she has been active in her student community.
She served as the Head Delegate for the International Relations Student’s Association of McGill’s delegation to the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women, and as an executive within her department’s undergraduate student’s association. Esli also has professional work experience in international relations, political risk analysis, and partnership management.
Iknoor Khaira, Engagement Coordinator
Iknoor is currently pursuing a Joint Honours BA in Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Ottawa. Passionate about the intersection of sexism, racism, and digital inequity, she strives for a career in public diplomacy to ensure that all women are accounted for in our technologically-advancing world.
Aware of the recent setbacks to global gender equality goals as a result of COVID-19, Iknoor has taken part in various events dedicated to alleviating its consequences on women. She participated in the ITU’s first Generation Connect Global Youth Summit as a Canadian delegate, where she discussed the dire impact of the global digital divide on the future of gender equality. She also participated in FFWD2020, where she received a grant to implement a national COVID-19-relief project that provided funding for BIPOC youth-led initiatives.
Iknoor spends much of her free-time volunteering with NGOs committed to the progression of women’s rights, as well as with advocacy initiatives on the uOttawa campus. She is also currently interning at a law firm where she deals with immigration and refugee matters.
She is honoured to have the opportunity to represent Canadian youth at CSW67, where she is excited to showcase the diversity of Canadian voices in significant discussions on the advancement of gender equality.
Magenta Braumberger, Podcast Coordinator
Majenta Braumberger holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelors degree in Economics from McGill University. Majenta is interested in diplomatic relations and policy decision-making processes; especially the relationship between citizens and public institutions.
Majenta serves as a Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada, where she supports in the planning and implementation of programs designed to foster international trade for small and medium-sized Canadian companies. Majenta is passionate about improving underrepresented groups’ access to the benefits and opportunities that flow from trade. To help advance this goal, she is leading an initiative to improve the collection and monitoring of Diversity Equity and Inclusion-related program data. In addition, she serves as a member of Global Affairs Canada’s Anti-Racism Working Group.
Majenta is also interested in story-telling and believes in the importance of communicating policy issues to a broad audience. During her graduate studies, she worked as a Producer for Beyond the Headlines, where she reported on a range of policy issues. Majenta is looking forward to her experience as a youth delegate and is excited by the opportunity to report on the CSW67 delegation.