Seekers of truth, Doers of Justice.

My time at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum was incredible! I had the privilege of personally representing the Mary Ward Center and our gender equality research when meeting with Ambassador Bob Rae. Similarly, I was able to connect with a range of individuals, from diplomats to NGO advocates.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to our shared report! It is especially meaningful for me to share my skills with the work of the Mary Ward Centre as I discern my own vocation, and a joy to use my “researcher muscles” for the first time since finishing my PhD. My work on this included some consulting on methodology and analysis, background research, and writing/editing.

In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Protection in Toronto and CHHA Radio 1610 FM, we will meet consuls from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Uruguay, for promoting higher commitment from the consuls to raise awareness and prevent people from becoming victims of human trafficking, and more active protection actions for those who were already victimized by either sex and/or labour trafficking and exploitation. 

With new strategic directions recognizing our capacity for delivery, the Mary Ward Centre now focuses on youth and adults, no longer providing programs for elementary students.  We are currently discerning how to make these resources accessible with a self-facilitation model (e.g. All About the Saints, World of Wonders, etc).

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.