The CSW68 is here!
But what is CSW? What is it for? During the next two weeks, social media feeds and calendars of human rights organisations will be full of events and spaces hosted around the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the world's largest gender equality event.
As it is a space in which feminist organisations participate every year, we want to take the opportunity to briefly explain what it is, what it’s about and why it is important to participate in it.
when
region
Americas & the Caribbean
What is the CSW?
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
It was established in 1946 and is composed of one representative from each of the 45 UN Member States that have been elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to be part of this Commission.
- 13 members from Africa.
- 11 members from Asia.
- 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean.
- 8 from Western Europe and other States.
- 7 from Eastern Europe.
Americas & the Caribbean representation in CSW
IPPF ACROWhat happens at CSW?
At CSW, governments meet and discuss with civil society organisations, academics and experts from around the world to agree on actions and investments that advance gender equality. The 68th Session will take place in New York City from 11th to the 22nd of March 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters.
This year we are participating through national delegations, joined by activists organisations from around the world to advocate with governments for the economic, sexual and reproductive rights of all women, in all their diversity.
We will also be participating in side events to reflect on and delve deeper into issues such as abortion, diversity, contraception and HIV care.
CSW takes place at the UN Headquarters in New York City
United NationsWhy is it important to participate in CSW?
Each year a central theme is determined and, although the resolutions passed at CSW are not legally binding, they become country commitments that civil society can use to demand accountability - and for that we at IPPF ACRO have a great advantage: being present in 26 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.
In 2024 the theme will be "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening gender-responsive institutions and financing". This is directly related to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 5, 16 and 17 and is a very important theme for our region, where poverty is gendered.
Guaranteeing the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls, in all their diversity, is a basic pillar in the fight against poverty, as their full access to services and information on sexuality and reproduction is hindered by a lack of resources.