A group of Loretto Academy students embarked on a memorable trip, traveling to the United Nations headquarters in New York City to participate in International Women’s Day celebrations.
The trip, organized by the Model UN sponsor Mrs. Pasaret offered students a front-row seat to discussions on gender equality and female empowerment.
The student group was made up of upperclassmen interested in having the opportunity to experience New York City from an academic point of view.
A member of said group was vice-president of the junior class, Precious Pieri.
She said, “It was really amazing getting to go to the United Nation headquarters. It truly is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The visit coincided with the UN’s annual International Women’s Day events, held on March 8, which this year carried the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
This years group joined thousands of global delegates, activists, and educators to hear from world leaders, policymakers, and trailblazing women advocating for change.
The speakers ranged from all different parts of the globe and spoke distinct languages.
Senior Mariana Fernandez said, “We were given headphones that would automatically translate whatever the speaker was saying into English which helped us to understand what the speaker was trying to say.”
The girls accompanied by Mrs. Pasaret attended a number of panels and talks hosted by powerful people across the world.
Celebrity guest Millie Bobby Brown included.
Her career as an actress and teen role model has inspired millions of young girls around the world.
From gender-based violence to economic disparities, and educational barriers, the topics addressed were both diverse and impactful.
Junior Valeria Arellano said, “This experience has given me the courage to fight for women’s rights and an equitable society.”
For Mrs. Pasaret, the most memorable speech was delivered by Aly Raisman, USA gymnastics Olympic gold medalist.
Raisman gave her testimony regarding the abuse suffered at the hands of USA gymnastic doctor, Larry Nassar.
Mrs. Pasaret said, “What stuck with me the most was the way Raisman posed the following question: Why did it take 250 female voices to be heard?”
These sessions were eye-opening, providing the girls and Mrs. Pasaret with the chance to see the place where some of the world’s biggest ideas come to life.
Loretto Academy has and will continue to send girls to the United Nations every year.
By doing so, more and more generations of young women will be able to witness change being enacted.
As the world continues to deal with gender disparities, Loretto Academy’s girls are returning home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing women in today’s world.
