New York, NY – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is pleased to announce that Executive Director, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, has been selected as a member of the Canadian Delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW67).
The UNCSW67 is taking place from March 6 to 17, 2023, in New York. The priority theme for this year’s session is innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls and two-spirit people.
The role of the Canadian delegation is to actively participate in discussions on the progress and gaps in advancing gender equality including advancing women and girl’s empowerment. Member States meet to agree on further actions to accelerate progress and promote the advancement of women’s rights in political, economic, and social fields.
As the largest and oldest Indigenous women's organization in Canada, ONWA has over 50 years of experience and expertise in amplifying Indigenous women's voices.
Improved access to technologies and innovative approaches is critical for improving Indigenous women’s safety and meaningful inclusion. Indigenous people make up 4% of all Canadian adults, they make up less than 2% of people working in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) occupations. Equitable access to education in areas like science and technology is needed as it can lead to greater economic opportunities for Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
“ONWA is committed to empowering and supporting all Indigenous women. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families, along with ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development which sit at the cornerstone of what we do. My focus is to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women are represented at international forums like the CSW67 to keep Indigenous women safe. Improving Indigenous women’s participation and leadership in key sectors like technology and science is critical to support equity for Indigenous women and girls and must be part of Canada’s reconciliation journey.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA Executive Director.
Unfortunately, Indigenous women and girls are at increased risk for technology-facilitated gender-based violence. It is critical that Indigenous women have a seat at any table where digital and telecommunications decisions or policies are made that will impact their lives as they know what they need to keep them safe.
For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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