The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) is poised to be a transformative event in the global pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as the United Nations’ largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. CSW68 will convene from 11th to 22nd March, centering its discussions around the theme of “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.” This year’s session aims to emphasize the urgency of addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and incorporating a gender perspective into financing initiatives to accelerate progress towards gender equality.
One of the core pillars of CSW68 is the recognition that poverty is a significant barrier to achieving gender equality worldwide. Poverty disproportionately affects women and girls, limiting their access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and decision-making processes. By placing poverty at the center of discussions, CSW68 seeks to highlight the need for targeted policies and interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and its gendered impacts. It encourages member states to prioritize poverty alleviation strategies that specifically address the unique challenges faced by women and girls.
Another vital aspect of CSW68 is the focus on strengthening institutions to promote gender equality. Strong and inclusive institutions play a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and creating an enabling environment for their empowerment. This session will explore ways to enhance the capacity of institutions at various levels, such as government bodies, civil society organizations, and community structures, to effectively address gender disparities. By strengthening institutions, CSW68 aims to foster a supportive framework that promotes gender-responsive policies, legislation, and decision-making processes.
CSW68 acknowledges the critical role of financing in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. Adequate and targeted financial resources are essential to implement gender-responsive programs and initiatives effectively. This session will delve into the importance of integrating a gender perspective into financial systems, policies, and budgetary allocations. It will explore innovative financing mechanisms that prioritize women’s economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, and access to financial services. By mainstreaming gender perspectives in financing, CSW68 aims to create sustainable and inclusive economic opportunities for women and girls.
