UN Focuses on Rights, Justice, and Action for Women and Girls at CSW70

As International Women’s Day 2026 is observed, the United Nations is convening the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at UN Headquarters in New York. The overarching theme of this year’s gathering is “Rights. Justice. Action” for all women and girls, highlighting a critical moment for gender equality globally.

Growing Concerns Over Regression in Women’s Rights

The convening of CSW70 comes amid increasing concerns that progress towards gender equality is being reversed. UN Women has warned that systems designed to protect women and girls are failing, leaving millions vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and impunity.^{UN Women} This is occurring as backlash against gender equality intensifies and fundamental rights are increasingly violated.

Key Issues Under Discussion

• Legal Inequality: UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that women globally hold only 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men, urging countries to dismantle discriminatory laws.^{UN News}
• Access to Justice: The priority theme of CSW70 centers on ensuring access to justice for all women and girls, recognizing that laws alone are insufficient without addressing discriminatory social norms and systemic barriers.
• Afghanistan: The situation in Afghanistan is a particular focus, with Malala Yousafzai warning that women and girls are being erased from public life under Taliban rule.^{UN News}
• Digital Violence: The rise of digital violence, outpacing regulatory efforts, is also a key concern.
• Violence in Conflict: Sexual violence continues to be used as a form of domination in conflict zones.

High-Level Participation and Advocacy

The International Women’s Day commemorations and the opening of CSW70 have drawn high-profile participation, including Anne Hathaway and a musical performance by Michelle Williams.^{UN News} These events aim to amplify the voices of leaders, advocates, and youth as they call for stronger action on gender equality.

The UN80 Initiative and the Future of Gender Equality

Discussions at CSW70 also address the UN80 Initiative, emphasizing the need to strengthen UN institutions and avoid cuts that could weaken fundamental mandates related to gender equality. Concerns have been raised that the initiative should not become a technocratic exercise that diminishes the importance of gender equality and human rights.

Call for Feminist Multilateralism

A central message emerging from the discussions is the call for a feminist approach to multilateralism. This includes prioritizing the sustainability of life, upholding international commitments like the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and ensuring the safe and effective participation of civil society, particularly feminist movements.^{UN Women}

Protecting and Strengthening UN Women

The importance of sustaining the mandate and financing of UN Women is being underscored, as it plays a crucial role in strengthening the leadership and economic empowerment of historically excluded women, including those with disabilities, indigenous women, and women of diverse sexual orientations.^{UN Women}

CSW70 represents a defining test of the international community’s commitment to achieving equality before the law for all women and girls. The call is clear: finish impunity, defend the rule of law, and ensure that equality is not just enshrined in law but also effectively applied in practice.