The world’s largest annual conference on women, the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), commenced at UN Headquarters in New York, focusing on the urgent call for gender equality amidst a global pushback against women’s rights. Running from 10 to 21 March, this pivotal session will assess the outcomes of the 23rd special General Assembly session alongside the historic Beijing Declaration established in 1995—a critical framework for women’s empowerment, drawing participation from 100 world leaders and nearly 5,000 civil society members last year.
Indigenous women’s rights emerged as a vital topic, with Loretta Jeff Combs from Canada’s Tlesqox First Nations emphasising the need for their voices in decision-making processes that shape their futures. Combs passionately discussed the dire situation facing Indigenous women, highlighted by race-based genocide in Canada, asserting, “We need Indigenous women at all levels. When we uplift Indigenous women, we create a better future for all.”
Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, warned that “misogyny is on the rise,” calling for robust actions to combat this growing trend as women navigate multiple crises. She advocated for measures to bridge the digital divide, eradicate poverty, and enhance laws protecting women and girls from violence, insisting on their inclusion in decision-making roles. Bahous proclaimed, “We are not afraid of the pushback,” asserting the commitment to advance women’s rights.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres poignantly described the “poison of patriarchy” undermining women’s rights, urging immediate action against the increasing backlash. He called for investments in education, support for women’s organisations, and robust anti-violence initiatives, framing these as essential in fulfilling the promises of the Beijing Declaration. Guterres reaffirmed the necessity of unity in pursuit of gender equality, stating, “In these perilous times for women’s rights, we must rally around the Beijing Declaration.”
General Assembly President Philémon Yang acknowledged the progress made over 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, yet underscored the ongoing challenges faced. He cautioned that it will take an estimated 137 years to eradicate poverty among women and 68 years to eliminate child marriage without intensified efforts. Yang urged for immediate commitment to implement the “promise of Beijing” and shape a future of equality for all.
CSW69 features numerous side events, including the impactful POWER4Girls initiative, aiming to amplify the voices of young female leaders and demonstrate the power of girl-led initiatives. Participants will explore strategies to align policies and services with the realities of girls’ lives, fostering transformative change. With a rich schedule of events planned, CSW69 serves as a stage not only for celebration but for confronting and overcoming the challenges still facing women globally.
The CSW69 conference at UNHQ is addressing urgent gender equality issues amidst global challenges, with notable contributions from Indigenous leaders and advocates. UN officials have called for action against rising misogyny, highlighting the need for inclusion, education, and support for women’s rights. The conference aims to review historic commitments, particularly from the Beijing Declaration, and champions initiatives like POWER4Girls to empower young women.
In summary, the CSW69 conference is a critical platform for advocating women’s rights and gender equality amidst rising global challenges. Key leaders emphasise the importance of Indigenous women’s involvement, the need to combat misogyny, and the urgency to fulfil past commitments like the Beijing Declaration. The collective call for action highlights the defining moment at which gender equality stands, urging global collaboration and innovative initiatives to uplift women’s voices and experiences.
Original Source: news.un.org
