69th Session of the comission on the status of women
In March 2025, OCIC delegates will join the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. The main focus of the sixty-ninth session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review will include an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Meet the 2025 OCIC Delegation
Sakshi Bhargava
Currently: 4th Year Honors Political Science Student at Western University & OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub Member
Background: I am the Charity Coordinator at Western University Students Council, overseeing charitable initiatives, budgeting, and community engagement. I also serve as the Assistant Vice-President of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the Social Science Students Council, leading initiatives that promote accessibility, anti-racism, and inclusivity. I founded the Able Hearts Foundation in Botswana at the age of 15, advocating for marginalized communities, including women, low-income, and rural populations, through education and social programs.
Policy Interests: I am passionate about gender equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. I am particularly interested in advancing policies that support marginalized communities, especially women, low-income, and rural populations in developing countries, including the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I am excited to engage in discussions on gender equality, social protection systems, and inclusive policy frameworks. I look forward to learning from global leaders and collaborating on strategies that create tangible change for marginalized communities in developing regions.
Maria Carmona
Currently: The Program Coordinator at the Presbyterian World Service & Development
Background: I have more than 20 years professional experience in international development and finance in various capacities. I hold master’s degrees in Development Practice from the University of Waterloo, Canada and in Public Policy from the Hitotsubashi University, Japan.
Policy Interests: Passionate about poverty alleviation, sustainable development, climate justice, food security, water security, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, participatory approaches and community-led development.
Looking Ahead to CSW69: In this increasingly complex world and challenging times, I’m looking forward to engaging with like-minded people to explore innovative ways of working together towards a more just and compassionate world. I also look forward to bringing energy and being energized myself through my interactions with people I will meet and engage with at CSW.
Sarah Judd
Currently: The Communications and Content Specialist at OCIC
Background: Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development with experience engaging the community around climate action and building partnerships in the fair trade and social enterprise sector.
Policy Interests: Keen on wealth redistribution, trade justice, and serious climate action – people and planet over profit, every time!
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I’m looking forward to connecting with people who believe in the collective good and the importance of global collaboration to tackle global problems. Gatherings like CSW are about building bridges instead of walls and I’m excited to be a part of that movement.
Kerrin Kamal
Currently: OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub Member & a first-generation Canadian Caribbean policy professional who believes in highlighting and empowering intersectional perspectives in both business and personal realms.
Background: I hold a Bachelor’s in Law & Society from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. Prior to moving to the private sector, I worked at the provincial government in financial services regulatory policy and Indigenous support program capacities.
Policy Interests: I am passionate about exploring societal gender dynamics, the importance of financial independence, and the promotion of financial literacy!
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I look forward to connecting with people of diverse backgrounds to learn about domestic and international policy initiatives that seek to reshape global standards on gender equality and raise awareness of the associated gaps.
Daniela Salcedo
Currently: Southwestern Ontario Public Engagement Animator for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada.
Background: Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and International Relations (Ecuador), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design (Canada). Has experience volunteering at UN-Habitat and working in digital literacy for wetlands protection, and environmental justice advocacy.
Policy Interests: I’m curious about gender-sensitive policies within the contexts of climate adaptation, resilience-building, and migration.
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I’m eager to hear from grassroots speakers on inclusive urban development and climate resilience, bringing their insights back to Canadian Urban Design practices and advocating for global structural change.
Pragya Tikku
Currently: Community Engagement and Gender Equality Specialist at OCIC
Background: Pragya holds a Master’s in Public Policy from McGill University and a Master’s in Human Development and Childhood Studies from the University of Delhi.
Policy Interests: Focused on policy issues impacting women and children, particularly in Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, Child Rights, and Women, Peace, and Security.
Mia Vallière
Currently: OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub Member
Background: I’m a recent graduate from Laurentian University with a B.A. in Criminology, as well as an advocate for human rights. I have worked in local social services with the Northern Initiative for Social Action, and internationally with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as part of their International Youth Internship Program. I have also engaged with my community by organizing a protest to raise awareness for the lack of accessible reproductive health care in Indigenous and rural communities in Northern Ontario. Je suis aussi fièrement bilingue en anglais et le français.
Policy Interests: Passionate about reproductive justice, international humanitarian law, and diplomatic policies for resolving armed conflict with a human rights-first approach. Je m’intéresse aussi avec les politiques pour l’avancement d’égalité pour et la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones à travers le monde.
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I look forward to learning from some of the most brilliant changemakers and critical thinkers working towards the advancement of true gender equality. I know that seeing so many like-minded advocates of the international community will enliven my hopes for the bright future we are all helping to build.
Margaret Zou
Currently: Executive Director at the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC)
Background: Holds a BScH in Life Sciences from Queen’s University (Canada), an MSc in Environmental Management and Assessment from the University of Liverpool, and an MPH in Environmental Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
Policy Interests: Intersection of environmental and human health, gender equity, and anything climate related!
Looking Ahead to CSW69: I’m looking forward to learning more about advancing gender equality through innovation and sustainability at CSW. The opportunity to hear diverse voices share solutions for pressing global issues is always inspiring.
