CityUHK Students Make Their Mark at UN Women's Conference
In a powerful display of their commitment to gender equality, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) recently sent four of its exceptional female students to participate in the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW68) in New York. The event, which took place from March 11 to 22, provided a global platform for advocates, academics, and government officials to discuss and propose solutions to the challenges faced by women worldwide.
Nicola Wong Yim-kiu and Elina Li Ching-hin, both in their final year of study, represented CityUHK as part of the Hong Kong Federation of Women (HKFW) delegation. Nicola, a Mechanical Engineering student, tackled the issue of affordable childcare for working mothers in Hong Kong during her sharing session. She proposed a collaborative network that would connect working mothers with experienced housewives, offering the latter compensated caregiving roles to enable mothers to pursue their careers full-time.
Nicola Wong Yim-kiu
Elina Li Ching-hin
"Throughout our journey, we had the privilege of attending diverse official events… The encounters and discussions on women empowerment were truly enlightening." Nicola Wong Yim-kiu
Elina, a Public Policy and Politics student currently on a Joint Bachelor's Degree Programme at Columbia University, delivered a compelling speech on 'Digital and Financial Literacy.' She highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Hong Kong SAR government and NGOs to empower underprivileged women and girls by enhancing their financial decision-making skills and access to technology.
"Engaging with delegations from all regions provided a unique platform to discuss and influence women's empowerment on a global scale… It was a significant milestone in advancing gender equality." Elina Li Ching-hin
Two other CityUHK students, Sana Bibi and Geanna Trisha Lopez Tobar, also made their voices heard at a parallel event hosted by the HKFW. Sana, a Year 2 English major, shared her insights on addressing poverty among ethnic minority women, while Trisha, a Year 4 Bachelor of Laws student, advocated for flexible work arrangements to encourage greater female participation in the workforce.
Sana Bibi
Geanna Trisha Lopez
The UN CSW68 served as a critical platform for addressing the myriad challenges faced by women, including inequality, violence, and discrimination. By nominating these four outstanding students to participate in the conference, CityUHK has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women not just within its campus, but on a global scale.
As the world continues to strive for a more equitable future, the contributions of young advocates like Nicola, Elina, Sana, and Trisha serve as a reminder that change is possible when passionate individuals come together to champion a common cause. Their experiences at the UN CSW68 will undoubtedly inspire their peers and the wider community to take action and work towards a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.