UNCSW

The ongoing advocacy for women’s rights, including the push for equity for women, was explored in the UNCSW, specifically in regards to reproductive and menstrual rights

Through a series of heated debates, and intense discussions, the council analysed the ways in which, and the extent to which, racial discrimination impacts reproductive and sexual rights

The Delegate of Lao made reference to the fact that laws regarding maternity leave have been established, whereas laws regarding menstrual leave have yet to be approved of. This brings forth the prevalent issues regarding women’s rights and sheds a light on their disregard in the medical sector In a contrasting viewpoint, a delegate labelled menstrual paid leave as “silly”

The delegate mentioned how in the USA, many women of colour are ignored and their symptoms dismissed, being told to “lose weight” rather than receiving the correct medical treatment - evident through the many reported cases of women undergoing unnecessary hysterectomies without the check-up of an ultrasound

However, many delegates argued that, when it came to the medical sector, it was critical to address criticism due to the persistence of racial prejudice. The Delegate of South Korea claimed that unnecessary surgeries were prevalent, and that many doctors “don’t care”.

The council discussed how non-surgical hysterectomies can be just as harmful as hysterectomies themselves The council advocated for bodily autonomy, especially regarding women, through a karaoke session in which they sang ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber.