The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the largest annual gathering dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment convened by the United Nations, is poised to address critical gender equality priorities as it unfolds in New York City, USA, next week.
Under the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective,” the summit, which commenced on March 11, will conclude on March 22.
Bringing together government representatives, civil society organizations, and UN agencies, the session aims to deliberate on pressing issues and formulate strategies to advance women’s rights globally.
The theme underscores the enduring correlation between poverty and gender disparities, with discussions centering on how economic hardships disproportionately affect women and girls, hindering their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
According to a UN report, 10.3 percent of women worldwide currently live in extreme poverty, and they face greater economic deprivation compared to men, necessitating accelerated efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Furthermore, there is a pronounced emphasis on the necessity for policies that foster women’s financial inclusion, empower their participation in the workforce, and address challenges such as land ownership and inheritance rights.
CSW68 acknowledges the pivotal role of institutions and financial mechanisms in promoting gender equality, with deliberations focusing on enhancing institutions’ responsiveness to women’s needs and implementing gender-responsive budgeting to effectively allocate resources to programs that empower women and girls.
Key discussions revolve around expanding social protection programs to provide safety nets for vulnerable women and girls, particularly those living in poverty, as well as promoting women’s access to credit, markets, and skills training to bolster their economic prospects.
Additionally, there is a concerted effort to encourage girls’ education in STEM fields and bridge the gender gap in these sectors to foster future economic development. Discussions also address the intersection of climate change and gender, recognizing the disproportionate impact of environmental changes on women and girls.
The conclusion of CSW68 will involve the adoption of Agreed Conclusions, delineating key commitments and priorities for member states, with the responsibility falling on them to translate these commitments into actionable plans.
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in holding governments accountable and monitoring progress towards achieving gender equality.
Despite advancements, achieving gender equality remains a multifaceted challenge, necessitating sustained efforts to address persistent issues such as gender-based violence, discriminatory laws, social norms, and the enduring ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s lives.
CSW68 serves as a pivotal platform for international collaboration and renewed dedication to advancing gender equality. The outcomes of this session will inform national and international initiatives aimed at realizing a future where all women and girls can fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Representing Uganda at CSW68 are various officials from the Ministry of Gender, led by Principal Betty Amongi, along with Peace Mutuuzo from the Ministry of Gender and Culture, and Permanent Secretary Aggrey David Kibenge, among others.
