Priority theme: Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers
Review theme: Women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls .
The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) took place in a challenging political climate, gathered governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and advocates from around the world at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The two weeks of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women have once again filled the United Nations with voices from every part of the world. Delegates, advocates, survivors, and civil society representatives gathered to reflect on the realities faced by women and girls today and to seek pathways toward greater justice and dignity.
The days were intense marked by negotiations, official sessions, and an extraordinary number of side events. Hallways, conference rooms, and informal gatherings became places of encounter where experiences were shared and partnerships strengthened. At times, the discussions reflected the tensions present in our world today, yet there was also a deep determination among many participants not to lose sight of the fundamental dignity of every woman and girl.
One of the most significant outcomes of CSW70 was the adoption of Agreed Conclusions CSW70 agreed conclusions focusing on strengthening justice systems for women and girls. Governments committed to eliminating discriminatory laws and policies, improving access to legal systems and remedies, addressing structural barriers that prevent women from seeking justice and strengthening protections against violence and discrimination.
The agreement emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable legal systems to ensure women’s rights are protected worldwide.
As every year, civil society participation was one of the most vibrant aspects of CSW. Thousands of representatives from NGOs organized hundreds of side events, parallel events, and advocacy meetings addressing issues such as human trafficking, women in conflict zones, climate change and gender justice, migration and displacement, and indigenous women’s rights. These events created important spaces for grassroots voices and survivors to share their experiences and influence policy discussions.
Debates during negotiations reflected diverging views among Member States on issues such as reproductive rights, gender terminology, and digital regulation. Despite these tensions, governments ultimately adopted the conclusions and reaffirmed commitments to gender equality.
In looking ahead, the discussions at CSW70 reinforced that gender equality is far from achieved, but they also demonstrated the continued importance of multilateral dialogue.
The Commission reaffirmed that strengthening justice systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and supporting women’s rights defenders are essential steps toward achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
This year four Daughters of Charity participated in CSW. Their presence reminded that advocacy is not only about policies and negotiations, but also about human dignity and solidarity with the most vulnerable.
In conversations and events, religious women brought perspectives shaped by their daily work with communities affected by poverty, migration, trafficking, violence, and lack of access to education or justice. Their testimonies gave a human face to the issues discussed in conference rooms and reminded participants that policies debated at the global level have real consequences in the lives of families and communities.
CSW70 showed both the strength and the fragility of global commitments to women’s rights. In a world facing increasing crises and polarization, the gathering reaffirmed that international cooperation and civil society engagement remain crucial for advancing justice and equality, we left with many reflections and hope.