Reflections from CSW: A Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Vision

The atmosphere at the recent Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was inspiring despite the challenging landscape—a convergence of global voices, passionate debates, and motivational moments. Both recently appointed to the PMNCH Board as leaders for the NGO constituency, we found ourselves together on a panel on Advancing Gender Equality through Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights – UNFPA’s flagship event of the week – and reflecting deeply on the strides and struggles when it comes to gender equality, particularly through the lens of Beijing+30.

Revisiting Beijing+30: Progress and Persistence      

Over the past three decades since the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, our global journey toward gender equality has seen transformative policy shifts and tangible legislative advances. However, the conversation at CSW reminded us that progress is never linear and should never be taken for granted.

Legislative Advances: In many regions, reforms have begun to translate commitments into enforceable rights, with countries such as Ireland, Colombia, Mexico, France, Argentina, Nepal and Spain adopting laws that prioritize sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) reflecting human rights standards. Many CSW dialogues showcased inspiring case studies where new laws and policies have led to increased access to comprehensive healthcare, better protections against gender-based violence, and enhanced support for marginalized communities.

Persistent Challenges: Despite these successes, there are stark reminders of an unfinished agenda. Political backlash has, in some contexts, rolled back hard-won gains. The resurgence of regressive, anti-rights narratives and resistance to change is not just a political issue—it directly affects the lives of those whom these policies were designed to protect. We saw firsthand how advocacy efforts must remain vigilant, adaptable, and relentless in the face of such challenges. Human rights defenders are at the forefront and their courage and tireless work must be supported.

SRHR: The Heart of Gender Equality

Sexual and reproductive health and rights remain a pivotal area of discussion and action.

Advances and Realities: Throughout the UNFPA event, panelists discussed the significant improvements in SRHR, noting increased recognition of the need for safe, accessible, quality, and non-discriminatory health services. There is an encouraging trend toward integrating SRHR into national health agendas, but progress varies widely by region.

The Financing Conundrum: A recurrent theme was the chronic underfunding of SRHR initiatives. Despite clear evidence of the benefits—ranging from improved maternal health to enhanced economic participation—financing remains a formidable barrier. We recognized that sustainable change hinges on not just policy, but also the political will and financial commitment to ensure these policies reach every level of society. Legislative change without financing and enforcement is largely empty – with no real impact on the lives of girls and women and marginalized communities.

The Road Ahead

Our discussions at CSW were not just about policy—they were about the real-world implications of our actions.

Legislation and the Need for Action: While legislative changes offer hope, they must be matched by strong implementation and enforcement mechanisms. Monitoring, accountability, and community engagement are critical to ensure that laws are not just words on paper but instruments of tangible change.

Intersectionality and Centering the Most Impacted: Gender inequality does not exist in a vacuum—it intersects with discrimination based on race, age, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other forms of marginalization. Women and girls in conflict zones, those with disabilities, Indigenous women, adolescents, and those from low-income backgrounds often face compounded layers of discrimination. If we are to truly achieve the goals set out in Beijing, we must ensure that policies, funding, and advocacy efforts intentionally prioritize those who are most at risk of being left behind and are truly intersectional.

Intergenerational Approaches: Young people are at the forefront of driving change, shaping policies, and challenging regressive norms to advance gender equality and SRHR. As the largest youth generation in history, their leadership is critical in policy advocacy, grassroots activism, and innovative solutions that address deep-rooted inequalities.

Navigating Political Backlash Through Partnership: We live in turbulent times where advances in gender equality are met with political resistance. Conversations throughout the week noted that backlash, whether overt or subtle, remains a significant impediment. It is in these moments that resilience, strategic coalition-building, and sustained advocacy become indispensable. To counteract this pushback effectively, we must also seek stronger partnerships—engaging with middle-ground states, forging alliances with non-traditional civil society organizations, and working closely with local actors who are closest to the point of impact.

A Call for Collaborative Action

As we move forward, we must harness the momentum from CSW and channel it into tangible action at upcoming global forums, particularly the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). CPD offers a critical opportunity to push for stronger commitments to SRHR within the broader framework of sustainable development and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). This means securing increased financing for gender equality programs, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and ensuring that intersectional perspectives are at the heart of policy discussions.

Beyond CPD, our work must extend to national and regional advocacy, ensuring that commitments made at international forums translate into real change on the ground. Collaboration between governments, civil society, and grassroots movements will be crucial in resisting political backlash, safeguarding hard-won gains, and forging new pathways toward gender justice. The road ahead is complex, but with sustained advocacy and collective action, we can continue to build a future where every woman and girl—regardless of circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive.