When I was told in January that I’d be attending and covering the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, my excitement knew no bounds! CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. I attended the event on behalf of my host organization Women’s World Banking and I thank my stars that I was placed in New York as a part of the Banyan Impact Fellowship to be able to live this experience.
Participating in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was like stepping into a realm where dialogue meets action, where insights have the potential to become catalysts for change. As someone deeply invested in the cause of gender equality, my experience at this pivotal event has stimulated my perspectives and fortified my resolve. I wanted to take the opportunity to share key takeaways around issues that affect women and girls around the world.
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Economic Gender Based Violence
One in every three women faces physical or sexual violence from a partner, exacerbating financial dependence and perpetuating a vicious cycle of abuse. Women earn a mere $0.77 for every dollar men make. The harsh realities of economic gender inequality shared by multiple countries struck me with full force. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the lives affected by the disparities. Addressing this requires comprehensive strategies that tackle both economic disparities and gender-based violence, emphasizing the urgency of policy interventions and societal shifts towards equality. If you want to understand economic violence and how it affects women, checkout this article by my host organization, Women’s World Banking for more details.
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Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
GBV isn’t just a violation of rights; it’s a barrier to progress and prosperity. The pervasive impact of GBV underscores the need for comprehensive strategies and unwavering support for survivors. Legal reforms are crucial, but so is ensuring that these laws are enforced effectively to protect women and promote their economic inclusion. The World Bank released its Gender Strategy in 2024–2030 which aims to throw light around actions for policymakers around the world to design frameworks that keep the women and girls at the center of the work.
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Digital Financial Inclusion
Three-quarters of a billion women are still excluded from the formal financial systems. Bridging the digital gender gap is essential for empowering women economically. Programs that not only impart digital skills but also promote gender equality through job placements, career readiness, and financial literacy which are essential for the #futureofwork, can reshape the digital sphere to be more inclusive. Access to financial tools and resources is pivotal for women’s economic empowerment, driving entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable development.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Climate Justice
The intersection of SRHR with climate justice reveals profound inequalities exacerbated by climate change impacts. Prioritizing SRHR in adaptation strategies is imperative, yet less than 1% of climate finance is allocated to health outcomes. A feminist and humanist perspective is essential in addressing these crises and ensuring inclusive healthcare systems. If you’re working in SRHR and CJ, Women Deliver has launched a coalition which you can join here. The latest research of Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) / ODI around the connections between menstrual health, girl’s poverty and climate change was extremely insightful. I was also inspired the work of Vitala Global Foundation around using technology for reproductive health and justice work.
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Funding for Women and Girls
While philanthropic resources play a significant role in advancing gender equality, there remains a challenge in equitable distribution, particularly in underserved regions like India and the Global South. Only 1.5% of global climate-related funding states gender equality as a main goal. And of that, only 0.2% reaches women-led and women’s organizations. Feminist activism can emerge as a powerful force in reshaping resource allocation and advocating for tailored interventions that address specific needs effectively. It was exciting to participate in discussions with organizations like Urgent Action Fund, Asia & Pacific , Women’s Fund Asia , Fòs Feminista, Global Fund for Women and Pacific Feminist Fund who are reimagining grant giving and philanthropy.
The 2 weeks at #CSW68 was certainly exhilarating. While there was so much I didn’t understand and was somewhat overwhelmed, it has certainly deepened my understanding of the main challenges we face and has reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for an intersectional lens to gender equality and continuing to have a bias for action. As I ruminate with these insights and questions, I am reminded of the collective responsibility we all share in creating a world where justice, equity, and care can be at the core of the work we do.
