GWL Voices Brings “Her Turn” to New York: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
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As the United Nations marked 80 years of multilateralism and the world reflected on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, GWL Voices convened two landmark events in New York that connected this historic legacy with the future of gender equality and women’s leadership. These sessions, part of GWL Voices’ Her Turn initiative, gave students and young leaders a rare opportunity to engage directly with women who have shaped global governance and the fight for equality.
At Columbia University, GWL Voices President and co-founder Susana Malcorra and co-founder Irina Bokova led a roundtable moderated by Rachel Vogelstein, Associate Professor at Columbia SIPA and Director of the IGP Women’s Initiative. The discussion highlighted insights from the GWL Voices and IGP Women’s Initiative report, “Beijing+30: A Gender Equality Roadmap for the Next 30 Years,” exploring key policy priorities for the 21st century—including democracy and human rights, technology, economic opportunity, and conflict and climate—and identifying levers to accelerate meaningful change.
Reflecting on the link between democracy and women’s rights, Susana Malcorra explained:
“Democracy is being challenged, with democratic ruling moving backwards. There is no space for women in non-democratic societies. For women to stand a chance to improve their rights, we need democracy.”
Irina Bokova added,
“Beijing was important because it was the first time there was emphasis on starting equality with girls and children. Another important point in the agenda was the focus on women in peace and security.” She also noted, “When the situation is too complicated, it is when women are elected—serious problems in societies require women’s leadership.”
Later, Her Turn continued at The New School University with an interactive session, Women in Multilateralism and the Path from Beijing+30 based in GWL Voices publication "GWL Voices at Beijing 1995: Stories of Leadership, Legacy, and Change". GWL Voices leaders Susana Malcorra, Carol Bellamy, Irina Bokova, and Tarja Halonen engaged in conversation with students about women’s roles in multilateralism, reflecting on the Beijing+30 legacy and sharing their vision for the next 30 years of advancing equality. Introduced by Professor Peter J. Hoffman, the session emphasized mentorship, inspiration, and actionable insights for the next generation of women leaders.
Susana Malcorra underscored the importance of women at the helm of global institutions:
“It is fundamental to have a woman at the helm if we want to have a real chance at change in the United Nations.”
Tarja Halonen reminded students of the generational stakes of their advocacy:
“Your great-grandchildren will ask you—why was it so important whether it was a man or a woman or something else? When they ask us this question, then we know we will have succeeded in our fight for gender equality.”
This last session was part of The Struggle for Accountability in Global Governance, a broader program hosted by The New School’s Graduate Programs in International Affairs, organized in partnership with GWL Voices and The Stimson Center. The program explored how the UN and multilateral agreements can remain meaningful platforms for equity and justice, while inspiring the next generation of women leaders to take their place in shaping global governance.
Through Her Turn, GWL Voices continues to prioritize inter-generational dialogue as a cornerstone for advancing women’s leadership and representation at the UN and beyond. By connecting experienced leaders with students and emerging voices, GWL Voices is fostering a continuum of mentorship, insight, and action that strengthens the future of multilateralism and ensures that gender equality remains central to global decision-making.
