Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Represent at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
April 07, 2025
(Farmingdale, NJ, April 2, 2025) A group of remarkable Girl Scouts recently attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City, joining global leaders and advocates in discussions on gender equality and the advancement of women and girls’ rights.
For months leading up to the trip, the girls prepared through virtual meetings, diving deep into gender equality issues and researching the impact of the CSW. Their dedication paid off as they confidently engaged in sessions alongside delegates, activists, and policymakers from around the world.
Representing Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, these Girl Scouts were selected to participate in this prestigious conference alongside peers from Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as well as staff members from Washington, D.C., New York, and California.
Throughout the week, the girls attended in-depth sessions on policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and girls worldwide. Despite long days of learning, they embraced every moment—whether it was discussing global gender issues, networking with international Girl Guides, or even supporting a Cadette Girl Scout troop selling cookies in NYC!
A highlight of the trip was their Teen Orientation with the Working Group on Girls (WGG), an organization advocating for girls' rights within the United Nations. The event featured a special address from the Executive Deputy Director of UN Women, inspiring the girls to take an active role in shaping the future.
The Girl Scouts also enjoyed a private brunch with Lydia Mallet, GSUSA International Commissioner, and a special discussion with Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA.
Among the many proud moments:
- Fleur, one of our Girl Scouts, was featured on a panel with WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) to discuss cross-generational female leadership.
- Shrika was selected for a private panel with GSUSA leadership, where her insights so impressed attendees that she was invited back to GSUSA Headquarters for a recorded interview.
Beyond the conference, the girls had the unique opportunity to meet Girl Guides from Taiwan, Madagascar, the Philippines, Mexico, Greece, and more, strengthening their connections to the global movement for girls' empowerment.
By the end of the trip, emotions ran high as the girls reflected on their experiences. Everywhere they went, former Girl Scouts eagerly shared their own stories, reinforcing the lifelong impact of the organization. The trip left the girls more inspired than ever to champion Girl Scouting in their communities and continue advocating for gender equality.
This incredible opportunity was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of BlueClaws Charities and Senator Declan O’Scanlon.
While much progress has been made in advancing women and girls' rights globally, there is still much to do. These Girl Scouts are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today.
