CSW70 Focuses on Access to Justice for Women, Highlights Gaps in Care Recognition

New York – The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), underway from March 9-20, 2026, is centering on the critical need to strengthen access to justice for women and girls globally. Discussions are focused on reinforcing legal systems, dismantling discriminatory practices, and addressing systemic inequalities [1]. Global unions are advocating for concrete action and the effective implementation of international labor standards, particularly those established by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Persistent Barriers to Justice

Despite international commitments outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), women continue to encounter significant obstacles in accessing justice. These barriers include discriminatory laws, a lack of awareness regarding their rights, fear of reprisal, and systemic biases within legal frameworks [2].

Trade Union Demands for CSW70

International trade unions are presenting key demands for the CSW70 Agreed Conclusions, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive justice systems, effective labor inspection and courts, the defense of freedom of association and collective bargaining, and the ratification and implementation of core ILO standards [2]. A central argument is that access to justice is fundamental to both democracy and peace, and a vital component of promoting social and economic justice through decent work [2].

Recognizing Care Work as a Human Right

A key focus of union demands is the recognition of care work as a human right. Public Services International (PSI) highlights the disproportionate burden of unpaid and underpaid care work carried by women, advocating for policies that value and protect care workers. This includes calls for decent wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protection for all care professionals [3]. Recognizing care as a human right is viewed as essential for achieving gender equality and economic justice.

Expert Input and Preparations

Preparatory work for CSW70 included a virtual expert group meeting convened by UN Women in September 2025. This meeting focused on the priority theme of ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including promoting inclusive legal systems and addressing structural barriers [4]. Experts presented papers on topics ranging from the impact of stereotypes in cases of sexual violence to gender-discriminatory nationality laws and strategic litigation for women’s rights [4].

A New Social Contract for Equality

The ITUC Newsletter for March 2026 underscores the need for a “New Social Contract” that prioritizes access to justice, equality, and dignity at work [3]. This contract, unions argue, must be built on strong labor rights and social protections, ensuring opportunities for all workers, regardless of gender.