Awele Ideal Advocates Justice and Inclusion for Women at United Nations CSW70 in New York

Awele Ideal joined global leaders, advocates, policymakers, and legal professionals at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where conversations focused on justice, gender equality, women’s inclusion, and the protection of women and girls across the world.

The United Nations CSW70 conference, which was held from earlier this week focused on strengthening access to justice for women and girls, promoting equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and practices, and advancing the participation of women in public life and decision making.

The conference also examined the role of justice systems in protecting women and girls from violence, exclusion, and structural inequality.

According to Awele, “participating in the global conference represented more than professional recognition. It reflected years of personal experiences, resilience, and advocacy that shaped her commitment to defending vulnerable people and speaking for those whose voices are often ignored.

Speaking during the conference engagements, Awele emphasised that many women and girls across the world are still excluded from spaces where important decisions are made despite ongoing conversations about equality.

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“Many girls and women are kept out of the rooms where decision-making happens. For how long should this continue? Justice delayed is justice denied and justice denied is justice stolen,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of ensuring women are not only represented but genuinely heard in conversations that affect their lives and futures.

“At the United Nations CSW70, we advocate that the voices of women and girls must be heard to drive meaningful changes. We must support the voices of those who can show up and with our voices, amplify the voices of those who are prevented from participation,” she added.

Awele’s passion for justice is deeply connected to her own life story. According to her, difficult experiences during childhood influenced her decision to pursue a legal career and become an advocate for oppressed people, especially children.

“I was abandoned by my mom at seven months, and my stepmother who raised me maltreated me. That was what challenged me into becoming a lawyer because I wanted to help oppressed people, especially children. I vowed to become the voice of the voiceless,” she revealed.

Over the years, she has continued building her legal career while navigating the pressures and realities faced by many women in demanding professional spaces. She explained that balancing motherhood, career responsibilities, and social stereotypes has been one of the major challenges she has had to overcome.

“Being a woman in a male-dominated profession, being a mother while maintaining my professional career, and dealing with stereotypes of being a divorcee are some of the challenges I have faced,” she said.

Despite those challenges, Awele says her biggest achievement remains the impact she is making both as a mother and as a legal professional whose voice continues to gain recognition within advocacy and justice conversations.

“My greatest accomplishment is being an intentional mom and being a lawyer whose voice is heard loud and clear,” she stated.

Throughout the conference, discussions repeatedly focused on the reality that rights without access to justice leave many women vulnerable. Delegates and advocates at CSW70 called for stronger legal systems, inclusive institutions, and practical reforms capable of protecting women and girls across different societies.

As conversations around gender equality and justice continue globally, Awele believes women must remain confident in their ability to shape their future regardless of obstacles.

“Your life is what you make of it. You are enough. If you set your mind towards achieving a goal then nobody can stop you except you,” she said.