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Commission on the Status of Women
March 2025 | New York, USA

CONTEXT:

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The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a key global intergovernmental body under the United Nations, established in 1946 to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. As a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), its primary mandate is to advance women’s political, economic, social, and educational rights. The CSW plays a pivotal role in monitoring the implementation of international agreements on gender equality, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995. Each year, the CSW holds sessions at the UN headquarters in New York, where member states, NGOs, and other stakeholders convene to discuss progress, set new priorities, and address emerging issues related to women's rights. With a specific theme each year, these sessions focus on challenges such as eliminating violence against women, enhancing women's participation in decision-making, and addressing unpaid care work. The CSW has been instrumental in shaping global gender policies and ensuring that women’s rights are prioritized in

international development.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  1. Be aged 18 - 30 for the full duration of the program

  2. Be available for pre-departure training in Canberra (dates listed in the application form)

  3. Be available and able to travel for the full duration of the international delegation you are applying for

  4. Have the ability to commit at least 5 hours per week to the fellowship program

  5. Currently, hold or can obtain a passport well before your delegation's dates and will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your delegation

  6. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident 

  7. Live in Australia for the full duration of the program.

​We are looking for delegates that have:

  • Personal and/or professional interest in the delegation's purpose and issues 

  • Unique and relevant experience, showing a commitment to the fellowship requirements

  • Potential to gain professionally and personally from the experience 

  • Intention to contribute meaningfully to the fellowship and their communities following the fellowship

  • A relevant, considered and quality policy proposal

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You do NOT have to have prior experience in the theme of the delegation you are applying for. Grades are NOT considered as part of the application process. 

In Sem 1 2025, there are 3 application streams you can apply through for a CSW Fellowship: 

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Calleo Indigenous Fund

 

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 18–30 (and meet all other eligibility requirements), you can apply for CSW through the Calleo Indigenous Fund stream. This fellowship empowers young Indigenous leaders with opportunities to enhance their education, career development, and community impact.

 

The Calleo Indigenous Community Fund (CICF) strives to support the enhancement of employment, education, and career development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As the CICF grows, they are committed to supporting more causes and individuals to enable the development and creation of education and employment success for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people.

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Menzies Foundation


If you are aged 18–30 (and meet all other eligibility requirements) with a passion for leadership and driving positive change, you can apply for CSW through the Menzies Foundation stream.

 

Menzies Foundation aspires to raise the profile and importance of outstanding leadership by encouraging Australians to reflect on leadership, build their leadership capability and act for the greater good.

The Foundation supports leadership platforms which facilitate the exploration, deepen understanding, and codification of approaches to leadership. Their efforts to examine various dimensions of leadership from diverse perspectives reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to identifying the essential leadership qualities and attributes required for effective leadership in both the Australian and global contexts. This important work supports our leadership movement as we share these insights with the Australian and Global community; contributing to the leadership discourse.

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Curtin University


If you are a current Curtin University student (and meet all other eligibility requirements), you can apply for CSW through the Curtin University stream. This pathway connects students to global opportunities for growth, collaboration, and advocacy.

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