Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University’s Vincentian mission and commitment to social justice were highlighted as a group of students from the University participated in the 68th annual United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women in Manhattan, NY.

The students, invited by Campus Ministry and the Vincentian Institute for Social Action (VISA), had the opportunity to visit the UN headquarters on March 12 and engage in discussions on crucial issues such as gender equality, female leadership, and gender poverty rates. Alexia Dolamakian ’19TCB, Assistant Director of Social Justice at VISA, emphasized the importance of addressing women's issues in the broader context of community, society, development, and government.

Ariana Rojas, a sophomore Biology student at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, expressed her surprise at the depth of the debates at the UN event. She shared her gratitude for witnessing the collaborative efforts towards making the world a better place, stating, "Certain situations were addressed, and then everyone expanded on each other’s information."

The UN Commission on the Status of Women is a crucial forum aimed at accelerating gender equality and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions with a gender perspective. The discussions also touched upon the gaps in implementing UN policies like the 1995 Beijing Declaration, emphasizing the value of gender equality.

During their visit, St. John’s students not only participated in topic discussions and a youth conference but also witnessed floor debates in the General Assembly. Dayan Pita Garcia, an international student from Colombia pursuing an MBA at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, reflected on the experience, stating, "Having the opportunity to attend such a global event allowed me to gain a broader perspective on international topics related to women’s roles."

The visit to the UN provided students with a platform to connect theoretical social justice concepts to real-world experiences and engage with global leaders on pressing issues. It was an inspiring and eye-opening experience that broadened their understanding of international issues related to women's roles and social justice.