West Island’s Linda Sestock Makes a Powerful Statement at the UN

Linda Sestock, the president of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), recently made headlines with a powerful and impassioned speech at the United Nations' 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). A proud West Island resident, Sestock’s advocacy for women’s rights and education is not just inspiring—it’s necessary in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.

Sestock, a steadfast advocate for gender equality, stood before world leaders and academics at the UN’s General Assembly Hall to voice deep concerns over shifting political landscapes and their potential effects on women’s rights. Her speech, which left many in the audience in awe, underscored the urgent need to safeguard the progress made in education, technology, and leadership for women.

A Call for Vigilance and Progress

"We’re extremely concerned, especially after seeing what happened with our neighbours to the south of us," Sestock said, referring to recent political shifts in the United States. "We want to make sure that it doesn't happen in Canada as well."

Her words highlight a growing fear that hard-fought rights for women could be at risk. She stressed the importance of maintaining Canada’s commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that women continue to have access to opportunities in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Sestock pointed out that biases in technology—particularly in algorithms—could negatively impact women if not addressed.

“We need to be hyper-focused on ensuring that women are educated and entering STEM fields, because right now algorithms are slanted towards men and can be used against women,” she stated.

Defending Diversity and Inclusion

One of the most striking moments of Sestock’s address came when she shed light on an alarming trend: the suppression of words like "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion" in some circles. Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain funding bodies are discouraging or even banning these terms, putting academic grants and research at risk.

“We have a lot of professors in our organization, and people are losing grants because they are being asked to remove words like female and gender. They are refusing, and so they are losing funding,” she explained. “We need to make sure that we continue to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Her unwavering commitment to protecting these values resonated with many, reinforcing the crucial role that organizations like CFUW play in shaping policies and advocating for women's rights.

A West Island Leader on the World Stage

Sestock’s presence at the UN is a testament to the impact that local leaders can have on global conversations. As an active figure in many community-driven causes, she continuously works to uplift and empower women, not just in Canada, but worldwide.

Her speech at CSW69 serves as both a warning and a rallying cry. It reminds us that progress is never guaranteed—it must be defended and nurtured. As West Islanders, we can take pride in knowing that one of our own is at the forefront of this fight, making waves on an international stage.

Linda Sestock’s words will not soon be forgotten, and her advocacy continues to inspire a new generation of leaders determined to carry the torch for gender equality.