General Women's Union Engages In 69th Session Of Commission On Status Of Women In New York

The General Women's Union (GWU) is set to attend the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York from March 10-21, 2025. This year's focus will be on evaluating progress towards gender equality and reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), alongside outcomes from the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.

CSW69 aims to bolster global commitments to women's rights and empowerment, contributing to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address current challenges affecting gender equality and women's empowerment.

The GWU delegation, led by Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of GWU, will participate in five high-level side events during CSW69. These events include discussions on women and technology in GCC countries, advancing women in leadership, innovation in data collection, national strategies for women's economic empowerment in the MENA region, and women in Gaza rising for freedom and dignity.

This session coincides with the launch of the "Mother of the Nation" exhibition. The exhibition highlights H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's vision and her significant efforts in supporting and empowering women across various fields. Sheikha Fatima holds several key positions including Chairwoman of GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

The Commission on the Status of Women was established as one of the first subsidiary bodies by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946. It serves as a functional commission dedicated exclusively to promoting gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment worldwide.

Amidst a rapidly changing global landscape, CSW69 seeks to strengthen commitments towards creating a more just and equal world. The review process will assess challenges impacting BPfA's implementation and its contribution towards achieving gender equality within the framework of sustainable development goals.

The gathering provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to advancing women's rights globally. By addressing these issues collectively, participants aim to accelerate progress towards achieving gender equality and empowering women worldwide.

With inputs from WAM