Yuma, AZ– Next month, Arizona Western College Professor of History & Sociology Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cárdenas will be visiting the United Nations Headquarters in New York City as a delegate for Soroptimist International of South Asia and Pacific at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
In its mission to promote gender equality and defend women’s rights, Soroptimist International sends a delegation to the annual CSW session to meet with members of the UN and other organizations advocating for women around the world.
“The mission of Soroptimist aligns with my own beliefs in gender equality, the transformative power of educational access, and importance of ending all forms of gender-based violence,” Dr. Ketchum-Cárdenas shared. “The first time that I served as a delegate for Soroptimist International/Women for Water Partnership at CSW67, I was struck by the energy it generated amongst women and girls from around the world. While perspectives and experiences were diverse, we shared a common goal: end gender inequality.”
As 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), this year’s session will assess the achievement of gender equality, current challenges affecting the implementation of the BPfA, and progress made toward realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“As a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, I have the opportunity to attend sessions that are sponsored by Soroptimist International and other NGOs and participate in discussions related to progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals and how it affects women and LGBTQ+ people globally,” Dr. Ketchum-Cárdenas continued. “I look forward to meeting with Soroptimists from around the world and connecting with members from other civil society organizations at CSW69.”
Dr. Ketchum-Cardenas has served with Soroptimist International for nineteen years at the local, regional, and international levels. Last year, she completed a third master’s degree in Global Affairs with a specialization in Global Economics and Development to support her work with the organization. She is also the Treasurer for Soroptimist International of Greater Yuma, which mentors girls and supports women in achieving their educational goals.