Commission on the Status of Women
Topic: Child Marriage and Forced Marriage as Human Rights Violations
In many Islamic nations, women’s access to education is limited by cultural, political, and economic barriers. Issues such as early marriage, violence, poverty, and restrictive gender norms hinder school attendance and long-term academic success for girls. While Islamic texts support gender equity, patriarchal interpretations and political misuse of religion often curtail women’s rights. Countries like Pakistan and Somalia highlight severe educational disparities, though others, like the UAE and Bangladesh, show progress. This committee will explore legal reforms, community-based solutions, and international cooperation to address these gaps and promote sustainable, inclusive education for women and girls in the Muslim world.
Language is a powerful force in shaping identity, politics, and cultural autonomy. In many Muslim countries, colonial legacies and global pressures have elevated foreign languages like English and French over native tongues, affecting access to education, governance, and opportunity. Linguistic hierarchies can marginalize minority communities and threaten cultural preservation. This committee will examine how language policies influence development, national identity, and power structures. Delegates will consider how ISESCO can support multilingualism, preserve endangered languages, and promote linguistic equity while respecting the religious and cultural diversity of its member states in a rapidly globalizing world.
Dear Delegates,
Hi everyone! Welcome to the Commission on the Status of Women for the 2027 session of Harvard Model United Nations! I am honored to serve as Director, and I am looking forward to our teamwork and problem-solving during our time together.
My name is Tara Malhotra. I am a rising sophomore from Los Angeles who will live in Cabot House next year. I am planning to study a joint concentration in English and Anthropology. I initially got involved with Model UN in eighth grade, when I decided to give it a try after doing debate for a few years. I ended up falling in love with MUN, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since. As someone who competed in conferences throughout high school, it was a full circle opportunity to help organize HMUN and HNMUN after coming to Harvard. During HMUN 2026, I chaired the Witan Council specialized body; for HNMUN 2026, I was an Assistant Director of a crisis committee on the 1905 Partition of Bengal. I hope to use the insights and skills I have learned throughout this time to deliver a meaningful experience that honors your hard work.
In addition to HMUN and HNMUN, I am a member of Harvard’s ICMUN team. I am also part of The Crimson’s Editorial Board, where I opine on pressing issues and write op-eds. Next year, I am very excited to study anthropology in a lab, which will allow me to dive deeper into my concentration interests. In my free time, you can often find me going on walks, trying new coffee shops with my friends, writing anything that comes to mind, or participating in South Asian cultural events around campus.
I am here for you every step of the way! Feel free to reach out about any question or concern you may have. I am looking forward to meeting and engaging with you all!
Warm regards,
Tara Malhotra
Director, Commission on the Status of Women
csw@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2027