GWL Voices Releases CSW69 Statement: 'Safeguarding Gains, Accelerating Equality'
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As the global community marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, GWL Voices has issued a powerful statement for CSW69 titled 'Safeguarding Gains, Accelerating Equality: The Road Ahead for the Beijing Platform of Action.' This statement underscores the urgency of accelerating gender equality efforts amid persistent systemic inequalities and emerging global crises.
A Critical Moment for Gender Equality
Despite decades of progress, gender disparities continue to hinder the full participation, leadership, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. As economic uncertainty, climate crises, and deepening inequalities challenge global stability, GWL Voices emphasizes that recommitting to gender equality is essential for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and peace.
The Beijing Declaration, alongside frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and CEDAW, remains a cornerstone for advancing women’s rights. However, achieving these goals requires urgent reforms, renewed investment, and robust accountability mechanisms.
Progress and Remaining Challenges
While legislative advances, social protections, and educational reforms have improved opportunities for women and girls, deep-rooted inequalities persist. Women remain underrepresented in leadership, economic disparities hold them back, and gender-based violence continues at alarming levels. The digital divide, underinvestment in women, and global crises further exacerbate these challenges. GWL Voices calls for decisive action to ensure that the commitments made translate into transformative and measurable change.
GWL Voices’ Call to Action
In response to these challenges, GWL Voices urges UN Member States to support a strong CSW69 political declaration that prioritizes:
- Accelerating Implementation of gender equality commitments.
- Strengthening Legal Protections against all forms of violence and discrimination.
- Expanding Women’s Leadership in governance, corporate, and multilateral institutions.
- Increasing Representation in International Systems, including the nomination of women for top UN positions.
- Guaranteeing Universal Healthcare Access through gender-responsive health systems.
- Advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda to ensure women’s participation in peace processes.
- Eliminating the Digital Divide by equipping women and girls with skills and resources for a digital economy.
- Scaling Up Investment in Women and Girls, recognizing their role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
- Recognizing and Professionalizing Care Work to promote women’s economic empowerment.
- Embedding Gender Equality in Financial Systems through gender-responsive budgeting.
- Integrating Gender in Crisis Response to ensure inclusive humanitarian policies.
- Strengthening Accountability through improved monitoring mechanisms.
A Revitalized CSW for the Future
To enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on the Status of Women, GWL Voices recommends:
- Stronger Monitoring Mechanisms with clear benchmarks.
- Greater Coordination Among UN Bodies to align gender equality efforts.
- Improved Legal Enforcement of international gender equality standards.
- Enhanced Data Collection to inform policy decisions.
- Active Civil Society Participation, including youth and grassroots organizations.
- Creation of CSW Regional Hubs to promote localized implementation.
- Youth Inclusion Mechanisms to amplify young voices in global policymaking.
- Stronger Multilateral Cooperation to ensure gender equality remains a global priority.
A Call for Global Commitment
GWL Voices stresses that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is fundamental to global stability, development, and human rights. As CSW69 convenes, Member States must take decisive action to uphold commitments, accelerate progress, and ensure that the next generation benefits from a more just and inclusive world.
By embracing these recommendations, the international community can truly safeguard past gains and forge ahead toward a future where gender equality is fully realized. The time for action is now.