WomenNC April Newsletter

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We've Had A Busy Fall,

and Now We're Springing into Action!

WomenNC Attended CSW69 in NYC!

30 Years After Beijing: The Status of Women Today

The First-Time CSW Experience: Danie Watson-Goetz

Founder, Beth Dehghan, and Executive Director, Danie Watson-Goetz, packed their bags and headed to New York City to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women from March 10 – 15, 2025.

Hundreds of incredible women and girls gathered at the UN headquarters in NYC to review the status of women globally 30 years after Beijing. In 1995, Beijing hosted the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. During this event, the Beijing Declaration and 12-Point Plan for Action were adopted.

On Monday morning, we arrived at the Church Center for a presentation on Women and Armed Conflict in the Middle East. Sponsored by WomenNC and moderated by Susan O’Malley. Four resilient women addressed both internal conflicts and war in their countries. Beth Dehghan began by talking about the status of women in Iran, followed by Mariam Jalabi highlighting internal conflict in Syria. As the presentation moved to women and war, Fida Qishta talked about losing her home in Gaza, while Svitlana Salamatova addressed the missing women and children in Ukraine. The presentation can be viewed here, along with a recording of their remarks.

Throughout the week, Beth and I attended official United Nations sessions, NGO Briefings, and side events hosted by nongovernmental organizations from around the world. These events included updates on CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), advocacy and organizing, political participation of women, utilizing fashion as protest, and so many more sessions—all women-focused and led. We also attended an artisan fair that celebrated the craft of global women, while many booths supported causes such as the children in Ukraine, working women in South Africa, and more.

I couldn't begin to describe the impact CSW had on me. Networking felt so much more intimate, as conversations turned to the main struggles of women and girls around the world. Instead of hearing about possible roads to equality, I was surrounded by women who were living it.

In panels, the questions from students, educators, activists, and women navigating challenges and change in the world resonated deeply with me. I was also struck by how encouraging organizers were. There was no hesitation to encourage a fellow woman to run for office, start a nonprofit, or conduct research in an area of passion.

I also had the opportunity to attend the United States Women's Caucus dinner, where I got a more in-depth look into the inner workings of the leadership and made great connections for WomenNC.

After returning home, CSW still wasn’t over, nor was WomenNC’s participation in it!

On March 18, five WomenNC Scholars from UNC Chapel Hill presented their research on female political participation in North Carolina and beyond. Maddie Eidelman, Abby Kokush, Georgia Moorhead, Malea Mull, and Ari Sadler identified key barriers that prevent women from pursing political careers, including gender norms, the division of household labor, and political ambition. Their presentation can be viewed here.

Overall, CSW69 was a massive success and a great way to kick off the year! I’d like to thank every woman I chatted with, every person willing to share their stories of triumph and hardship, and every solution that was brought to the table. To say this week was transformative is an absolute understatement.

Board Spotlight: Talia Chavis

From NCCU to CSW to MHA

Talia Chavis is a former WomenNC CSW Scholar and current member of the WomenNC Board of Directors. As a Scholar, she conducted research on “Addressing Health Disparities: Would Black Women in Leadership be Part of the Solution?”, which she presented at the 67th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Her research focused on health disparities faced by Black women, the experiences of Black women in the senior leadership space, and the current state of senior leadership in healthcare.

While attending the CSW in New York, Talia was struck by the power of seeing young people — particularly Black women — occupying spaces of international advocacy and decision-making. One of the most memorable moments of her experience was attending a reception at the Ford Foundation Center, where she engaged with global leaders, activists, and fellow advocates committed to advancing gender equity worldwide. These moments affirmed for her not only the importance of representation but also the necessity of creating pathways for youth to access and influence these critical spaces.

Since completing the flagship Leadership program, Talia has remained deeply involved with WomenNC by serving on the board, working to ensure the program continues to support all students, and mentoring new cohorts of WomenNC Scholars. Inspired by her experiences at the CSW and her passion for breaking down barriers, she will soon be pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), with aspirations to build a career that bridges advocacy, community engagement, and systemic change in healthcare — always with a focus on ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard, valued, and centered.

Upcoming Event: Make A Bouquet with Us!

Bloom Bar Fundraiser

April 19, 2025 - 11 AM - 2 PM

Designed For Joy, Raleigh

Celebrate Earth Day and Easter with an exciting bouquet-making experience! Whether it's for your mom, prom date, a new grad, or simply to brighten your day, craft the perfect floral arrangement while supporting WomenNC's Scholar's Program. Learn more & buy a ticket here.

Support A Scholar Initiative: We Need You!

Gender equality research is more important than ever. With the changing climate of the United States, WomenNC Scholars need your support!

We invite you to sponsor a WomenNC Youth Leadership Scholarship in your name or in honor of someone whose legacy you wish to celebrate. Your generosity will provide a deserving student with the resources, mentorship, and platform to create real change in their community and beyond. Your support can make a big difference in shaping the future leaders of North Carolina.

For more information or to become a Legacy Sponsor, please contact WomenNC’s Executive Director, Danie Watson-Goetz, at [email protected] or by phone at (919) 438-2235.

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