Topic A: Addressing Gendered Psychological Pressure in the Beauty Industry: The Role of Advertising, Social Media, and Societal Standards

The beauty industry globally profits from idealizing unrealistic beauty standards 1 in 2 girls say that toxic beauty standards cause low self-esteem. The most promoted beauty standard is the Eurocentric beauty standard which includes lighter skin tones, straight hair, and thin body types. Social standards to fit this mold contribute to women’s psychological pressures in the beauty industry. Many brands like Dove have moved to combat this issue by raising awareness by launching their Keep Beauty Real campaign, which was established in 2004. This campaign details how Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Photoshop contributes negatively to a false sense of beauty. The campaign’s focus was bringing awareness to what real beauty looks like across all cultures and ages. As the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), delegates must examine the role of the government, corporations, and media outlets in preventing an unrealistic and unattainable beauty standard for women.

Topic B: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace: The Role of Power Dynamics in Sexual Harassment

Gender-based violence in the workplace manifests in various forms, including sexual harassment, intimidation, verbal and physical abuse, and the exploitation of professional power to make inappropriate advances. Women disproportionately experience these violations, especially those from marginalized communities such as women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and lower-income workers. A significant barrier to reporting is fear of job loss, professional retaliation, reputational damage, and the everyday reality of not being believed. Power dynamics play a crucial role in enabling perpetrators, as senior officials and employers often hold control over a victim’s financial stability and career trajectory. This issue is not confined to lower-ranking positions; it extends into even the most prestigious institutions, as the #MeToo movement was revealed on a global scale in 2017. Women worldwide shared testimonies of sexual harassment and assault in workplaces ranging from Hollywood and politics to academia and corporate leadership. Beyond individual experiences, the structural failure to prevent gender-based workplace violence points to a lack of enforceable protections. The International Labor Organization’s Convention No. 190 (C190) explicitly acknowledges that workplace harassment disproportionately affects women and calls for the creation of safe, respectful work environments. As the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), delegates must critically examine the role of both governments and corporations in preventing workplace harassment. This includes addressing how power imbalances contribute to a culture of silence, ensuring meaningful legal protections, and holding perpetrators accountable.