New York, USA
2025 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 69
The sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place in person in New York, USA. The priority theme is Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the principal governing body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Mareyba Fawad, Head Delegate
Mareyba Fawad is a dedicated public health professional and women's health advocate from Ontario with expertise in health policy, management, and international affairs.
Mareyba earned her Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She served as President of Women for Women and a Global Health Systems Fellow for Chelsea Clinton. Her achievements include policy consulting for UN Women, interning in public health law at the CDC, leading a Canada-based research team published in Nature Human Behavior, and participating in the Columbia International Affairs Fellowship.
Mareyba has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma. She founded the Minority Health Sciences Conference, now in its fifth year, empowering marginalized high school students. She also served as Director for Oklahoma's annual public health conference. The University of Oklahoma recently awarded her the 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
Mareyba worked as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, DC, focusing on healthcare management and national health strategy. Currently, Mareyba is a Health Policy and Data Analyst at Acumen LLC in San Francisco, contributing to health systems at various government levels, and is a member of the Canadian Association for Global Health.
Sarah Dehbi, Communications Coordinator
Sarah Dehbi is a dedicated federal public servant focused on advancing Canada’s human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion. With a Master of Global Affairs from the Munk School at the University of Toronto, she focuses on inclusive policies that uphold human rights obligations.
At WAGE, Sarah developed GBA Plus expertise, bilingually chairing the federal interdepartmental committee and leading the first request for standing offer on GBA Plus consultancy services to institutionally enhance capacity. She spearheaded the WPS file, drawing insights from her seminar work at Munk, where she developed anti-racism policy recommendations for the WPS C-NAP3.
Currently, as a Policy and Research Analyst at PCH, she advances the federal human rights implementation framework and UN recommendations, emphasizing distinctions-based engagement within the UNDRIP action plan.
Her perspective is enriched by her experiences as a Canadian expatriate, having represented Canada at international forums and engaged with global stakeholders. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she leverages her diverse background to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Passionate about sparking meaningful dialogue, she is dedicated to amplifying youth voices and driving transformative change on both domestic and global stages.
Mabintou Ouattara, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Mabintou Ouattara is an Ivorian-Canadian Engineer, youth mentor, and passionate advocate for female representation in male-dominated fields. Born and raised in Côte d'Ivoire, her journey from West Africa to engineering studies at the University of Alberta has shaped her culturally rich perspective on the barriers faced by marginalized communities, and the global challenges impacting women’s rights. Committed to inclusivity, Mabintou strives to inspire youth—particularly young girls—to view STEM as exciting, accessible, and full of opportunities for growth.
Mabintou has championed equity in STEM through organizations like DiscoverE, APEGA, Telus Science Centres, and Female Engineering Mentorship (FEM+), mentoring young girls and promoting careers in engineering and technology. She also serves as a mentor with the United Nations Association in Canada's BYE program, guiding youth toward green careers and networking opportunities. A fierce believer in cultural inclusivity, Mabintou contributed to drafting resolutions on Indigenous rights and education as a delegate at the 2023 Model UN, focused on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
A philanthropist at heart, Mabintou is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and advocating for equitable education worldwide. In November 2024, she led an interactive STEM session for a refugee community in Thailand, furthering her mission to dismantle educational barriers and inspire a love for learning. Mabintou believes integrating DE&I frameworks can drive transformative change, supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and fostering a more inclusive world.
Loretta Jeff-Combs, Engagement Coordinator
Sid sughuzi Loretta Jeff-Combs, Tsilhqot'in Deni nesdlin. Tlesqox belh Tletinqox desni. Nenjan Nenqay Jedeni gubenen nased.
My name is Loretta Jeff-Combs, I'm Tsilhqot'in from Tlesqox First Nations. I'm 25 years old and a dedicated mother, Indigenous business owner, and a full-time student pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work and Interprofessional Mental Health Practice Certificate. I graduated from Thompson Rivers University earning a Human Service Diploma and an Education Assistant and tCommunity Support Certificate.
My recent completion of the "Indigenous Leadership in Policy Advocacy" & "Indigenous Youth Policy School" and "LEVEL Youth Policy Program" has expanded my knowledge in advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
My message for other Indigenous youth would be In the face of challenges and opportunities, remember the resilience of our ancestors, who persevered against all odds. Each step you take forward paves the way for future generations, embodying the strength and wisdom of our people. Keep moving forward with courage and determination, knowing that we carry the strength of our past and the light for our future.