Giving young kiwi women a voice at the UN

As the YWCA Aotearoa ambassador, I have been selected to travel to New York in March to represent the young women of New Zealand at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

I know first hand the challenges that young women in New Zealand face, from overcoming mental health issues, relationship with my body, subconscious bias doubting my leadership through taunts of bossiness, health issues, establishing health intimate partner relationships and more.

I also know that with the right support and experiences our young women can flourish.

I have been fortunate enough to have the support of amazing people around me who have allowed me to fight for my education and overcome this adversity to have a positive impact on others.

From being a full-time university student at Victoria University, studying law, international development and Maori studies. Working on international policy as intern at the Ministry for Women, working with NZ charity ‘Prepair’ to partner with one of New Zealands largest fashion outlets ‘Glassons’ to create a national campaign about healthy relationships, volunteering for UN Youth to ensure young people get a civics education, being the only Commonwealth Correspondent for the Pacific documenting the current issues relevant to young people. I have also started not for profits that ensure all young people have access to resources that support their wellbeing and to ensure young children are fed. Additionally, making time to mentor other young women, be a positive influence online, deliver ted talks, sit on panels at women's leadership events and conferences across the country to advocate for the voices and stories of young women in New Zealand.

I want to make sure the concerns and hopes of young New Zealand women are heard at the commission. Additionally, the commission is an amazing opportunity to connect with those undertaking similar advocacy at both a global and national level in their own countries and to gain a significant amount of condensed learning on these issues but also their solutions that can enrich my work and community when I return to New Zealand.

The YWCA Aotearoa is supporting me to get to New York but there are still many costs that remain, as a full-time student any additional donations raised will be used to cover on the ground costs such as accommodation and are greatly appreciated.

You can read more about me and my work here:

https://www.ywca.org.nz/blog/2018/womenyoushouldknow-maisy-bentley

https://shityoushouldcareabout.com/portfolio/maisy-bentley/

https://nz.linkedin.com/in/maisy-bentley-1b7563124