BAPS, a non-governmental organization with General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, proudly joined the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at its 69th session, held in New York City from March 10 to 21. CSW is the global intergovernmental body focused on advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women, and this year, the session’s theme focused on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights across the globe.
In opening remarks, UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the need for global advancement of women’s rights and the UN’s commitment to helping achieve that goal: “Equality for women and girls is a human right. It is a matter of justice. It is the foundation of sustainable development and lasting peace. And it is essential for humanity. … And we are determined to do even more to deliver for the world’s women and girls.”
Echoing these sentiments, UN Under-Secretary General and UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, encouraged leaders to implement necessary change, even in the face of obstacles: “We, you, the champions of gender equality, are not afraid of the pushback. We have faced it before. We have not backed down. And we will not back down. … 2025 must be a turning point, a moment in the history of this long struggle where we embrace bold, urgent, and transformative action. Where we show our resolve to push forward for rights, for equality, and for empowerment. For all women and girls.”
The Commission consisted of a wide range of meetings, panel discussions, interactive dialogues, round tables, and intergovernmental negotiations, wherein women from diverse backgrounds could advocate, learn, and share experiences about the challenges to women’s equality and effecting enduring solutions. “It was great participating in this year’s programs and hearing from such a diversity of powerful voices committed to supporting and advancing peace”, remarked Radhe Patel, a BAPS attendee.
For more information on the United Nations’ commitment to women’s rights and empowerment, please visit: https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women.
