We are thrilled to congratulate Mariame, a dedicated staff member of the YWCA Central Massachusetts, on her incredible achievement of being named a YWCA USA delegate at the 69th gathering of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)!

Mariame has served as a Domestic Violence (DV) Family Shelter Advocate at the YWCA Central Massachusetts since 2017.

Her passion for gender equity is rooted in her upbringing in Guinea, West Africa, where she witnessed systemic inequalities and their disproportionate impact on women and girls. “These experiences shaped who I am today and planted the seeds of my passion for justice and empowerment,” she shares.

What Inspires Mariame About the YWCA Mission

The YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote justice and peace resonates deeply with Mariame. “What moves me most is the YWCA’s unwavering commitment to empowerment. Unlike many shelters, where rigid rules can unintentionally replicate patterns of control survivors faced in abusive relationships, the YWCA’s approach centers on trust and respect.”

Mariame elaborates: “We believe survivors know what’s best for their lives. By guiding rather than directing, we create a space where they feel heard, respected, and empowered. Witnessing these moments of transformation—when a survivor begins to rediscover their voice and reclaim their agency—is heartwarming and reminds me why this work matters so much.”

Representing the YWCA at the United Nations

Being chosen as a YWCA USA delegate to the CSW is a personal and professional honor for Mariame. “This opportunity means the world to me,” she reflects.

Moving to the U.S. at 16, Mariame carried with her a dream of contributing to gender equity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where barriers to equality are often greater. “Standing on an international stage, contributing to global conversations about gender equity, feels like a full-circle moment. It’s a reminder of the power of persistence and the critical role organizations like the YWCA play in shaping a more equitable world.”

The Journey to Becoming a Delegate

Mariame describes her journey to being selected as a delegate as both humbling and validating. “When I saw the call for applications in the YWCA USA newsletter, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply. I didn’t think I’d be selected, especially because I haven’t fully aligned my fundraising career with my passion for gender equity. But I also knew that if I didn’t try, I’d never know.”

To her surprise, Mariame was chosen. “It was a profound moment of affirmation—proof that my lived experiences, from growing up in Guinea to working on the frontlines in the U.S., are not limitations but strengths.” Mariame also expresses heartfelt gratitude to Deborah Hall, YWCACM CEO, whose letter of recommendation played a key role in her selection.

Advocacy Focus

At the 69th gathering of the Commission on the Status of Women, Mariame plans to elevate the voices of survivors and highlight the systemic challenges they face.

She will focus on two critical issues:

1. Domestic Violence as a Barrier to Gender Equity
   “Domestic violence is a significant hindrance to achieving gender equity,” Mariame explains. She will shed light on issues such as housing instability, economic dependence, and the unique challenges immigrant women face, such as navigating complex immigration systems and language barriers.

“The lack of safe, accessible shelters is heartbreaking. As the only DV shelter in Central Massachusetts, we face overwhelming demand. It’s devastating to tell survivors, ‘We don’t have any rooms available.’ This underscores a systemic failure to prioritize their safety.”

1. Economic Barriers for Women
   Mariame is equally passionate about addressing economic disparities. “It’s shocking that people working full-time, like some of my coworkers, can barely make ends meet due to the high cost of childcare and inadequate wages. Nonprofits like the YWCA, overwhelmingly powered by women, are underfunded, and funders often neglect crucial overhead costs necessary for our work.” Mariame emphasizes that the Beijing Platform for Action already recognizes the link between curbing gender-based violence and reducing poverty to achieve gender equity. “My goal is to ensure these conversations remain rooted in the lived realities of those we serve.”

Congratulations, Mariame, on this well-deserved recognition. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make on behalf of the YWCA!