CSW65 Reports

 

Commission on the Status of Women 65th Session

GWI Reports

Reporting is critical to the legacy of CSW65 and future advocacy work! All GWI representatives to CSW65 are encouraged to submit reports of sessions attended. A thematic summary of reports can be found HERE. This comprehensive summary is available worldwide with Calls to Action for governments, public and private sectors, educational institutions, and other NGOs stemming from CSW65.

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MbayameNDIAYE

Posted by on 11:50 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on MbayameNDIAYE

Mrs.NDIAYE Association Sénégalaise des Femmes Diplomées des Universités 1-Town hall Meeting with the secretary General and civil Society in the margins of the sixty-ninth session of the commission on the status of Women. Mardi 11 mars 2025 2- National mechanisms for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls 3- The rôle of women, peace and security mechanisms in post-conflit recovery : « Comfort Women » mercredi 12 Mars 2025 4- Antifeminisme and child marriage, mercredi 12 mars 2025 5- First Meeting of the high-lever Network on Gender-Responsive policing : « Building commitment on gender-responsive policing. Jeudi 13 mars 2025 6- Educating Women and Girls : Advancing Their Empowerment and Equality, jeudi 13 mars 1- ONU-FEMME 2- ONU-FEMME 3- Education for social justice foundation 4- GWI 5-Chile, Senegal, kingdom of the Netherland, UN Women 6- CFUW FCF , Women Graduates-USA Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Institutional mechanisms, Women and armed conflict SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG13 – Climate Action, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), Human Trafficking (2016), Child Marriage (2016), Young Members (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Human Rights for Refugee and Refugee Women and Children (2019), Fair and Non-Discriminatory Management of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (2019), Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022), Violence Against Women in Politics (2022), Climate Change and Gender (2022), A Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment is a Human Right (2022), Climate Emergency – Declarations and Action Plans (2022), Single Use Plastics and Plastic Packaging (2022) These sessions are part of our association's national advocacy work, promoting the inclusion of young girls in the technology sector and the integration of digital technology into educational curricula. We also advocate for citizenship and environmental education in schools to enable more responsible leadership among young girls in the face of climate challenges and their full participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the peace and security agenda, which ASFDU is implementing in partnership with other organizations, we chaired the Caravan Committee in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. A national awareness-raising, advocacy, dialogue, and mobilization campaign, in the form of a caravan, was initiated in all 14 regions of Senegal. Within this framework, community forums were organized, involving women leaders, youth, grassroots communities, local elected officials, and opinion leaders to convey messages for peaceful, transparent, and democratic elections in a peaceful social climate. A way to participate in the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Finally, within the framework of women's political participation, as a member of the National Monitoring Network for the Application of Parity (RNVA), responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effective application of the law on parity, the ASFDU prepared the monitoring report in collaboration with the National Observatory of Parity (ONP) and participated in a series...

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MaureenByrne

Posted by on 6:57 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on MaureenByrne

Dr.Byrne GWi Un Rep NY; WG-USA Review of BPfA+30 (3/6/25) Un Women; UN; GA Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Institutional mechanisms, Women and health, Women and armed conflict, Women and the media SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality Harassment (2016), Human Trafficking (2016), Young Members (2016), Women and STEM (2019), Sexual Harassment in Workplace (2019), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022), Workplace Harassment (2022), To end under representation of women in media as a positive contribution to improve the status of all women in the world (2022), Climate Change and Gender (2022) Strengthens relevance of CEDAW and other conventions/treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Gives ammunition for legal, financial, labor, and tech frameworks and regulations. Acknowledges the new challenges of climate change, AI, technology. Continues to emphasize the need to address violence against women and girls. I did not include much in the report that was unchanged from BPfA+25. No mention of LGTB+ women and girls. No mention of women and girls' right to sexual reproductive health. Little or nothing on migration and displacement. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} Advocate at local, state, national, and regional levels for gender...

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SuzanneNette

Posted by on 12:27 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on SuzanneNette

MissNette Switzerland Enpowering Young Women for Sustainable Development: Progress and Future Graduate Women International Young Member Network, Sudha Srivastava, Cynthia A. Adinortey, Nyarai Tunjera Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Women and poverty, Women and health SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Child Marriage (2016), Sexual Health and Reproduction Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022) The session highlighted some of the key issues women are facing in today's societies: period poverty, lack of digital skills, lack of leadership opportunities… and some examples of initiatives put in place to educate women and enhance their opportunities and participation in society. Sudha Srivastava started the session with a presentation on leadership development. She claimed that female leadership matters because it enables diversity, inclusiveness and economic growth. Leadership positions are difficult to access for women because of challenges such as gender bias and societal stereotypes, work-life balance pressures, limited mentorship and networking opportunities, unequal access to leadership roles and training. To encourage female leadership, we can make sure girls are being exposed to role models, we can work with schools and children picture books to normalise women in leadership roles. Targeted leadership training programs, skill development and confidence-building workshops are also effective. Cynthia A. Adinortey then talked abput period poverty and menstrual hygiene. Period poverty often prevents girls from going to school, has educational impact, health risk, social and economic implications. Girls in rural and peri-urban areas can miss 3 to 5 days of school each month. Period poverty is exacerbated by a luxury tax on foreign sanitary pads, making them unaffordable. The Ghana Association of University Women created “the GAUW Menstrual Hygiene Project”. It focused on empowering women and girls by providing them with knowledge and tools about periods. Girls and boys need to be educated on the matter. Finally, Nyarai Tunjera talk about digital literacy and AI. 250 million women worldwide lack digital skills, limiting their economic opportunities. Women are 45% less likely to have digital skills than men. She consideres digital literacy as a Human right. She participated and organized digital literacy training for marginalised women and girls in Cape town to improve their lives, enhance their opportunities and contribute to their communities. Many of these programmes face challenges and need further support. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} Most of the initiatives mentioned in the session face challenges like funding and sustainability, access to resources and...

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AninoEmuwa

Posted by on 12:20 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on AninoEmuwa

Dr.Emuwa BFWG Women Rise For All: Turning Hope into Action UN office of Partnerships , UN Women Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Violence against women SDG5 – Gender Equality Women and STEM (2019), Climate Change and Gender (2022) The session focussed on the power of women’s networks and organisations Event Details The event, jointly organized by the UN Office for Partnerships and UN Women, is part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) and will highlight the transformative power of women’s leadership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will provide a platform for intergenerational connection, collaboration, and bold commitments to action. Over 400 women leaders at Women Rise for All: Turning hope into action, convened by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations alongside the Commission on the Status of Women, to discuss the path ahead for gender equality and highlight the transformative power of women’s leadership. Speakers included: ?H.E. Amina Mohammed DSG United Nations ?H.E. Halla Tomasdottir, President of Iceland, ?Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women ?Jessica Sibley, CEO, Time Inc., ?María Fernanda Espinosa, Former President, UN General Assembly, Executive Director, GWL; ?Annemarie Hou, Executive Director, UN Office for Partnerships, ?Alyse Nelson, President & CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership and ?Michelle Li, co-founder, Women and Climate The first time the UN has convened a gathering of this magnitude of women leaders, this was more than a conversation-it was a call to action. Together, we are forging intergenerational connections, fostering collaboration, and driving bold commitments to a more equitable future. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} Engage with UN Office of Partnerships on the DSG’s Women Rise for All...

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SallyDunbar

Posted by on 6:46 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on SallyDunbar

Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ Friday 14 March 2025: Women’s Empowerment Toolkit Parallel event Sponsored by the International Human Rights Consortium (IHRC) Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Women and poverty, Women and health SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Harassment (2016), Young Members (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022) This session aligns closely with the advocacy work of Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ), which focuses on promoting lifelong education, gender equality, and leadership opportunities for women at all stages of life. GWNZ is committed to ensuring that women have access to the resources and support needed to advance their education, achieve financial independence, and take on leadership roles in society. The Women’s Empowerment Toolkit session reinforced these priorities by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development. The discussion on bridging the gap between education and industry directly supports GWNZ’s advocacy for educational policies that prepare women for meaningful employment, ensuring they have the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in an evolving workforce. The session also highlighted the importance of mentorship programs, which align with GWNZ’s commitment to fostering networks that empower women through guidance, role modeling, and leadership development. Economic empowerment was another key theme, particularly in relation to financial independence, career progression, and entrepreneurship. GWNZ advocates for gender-responsive policies that remove financial barriers to education, making university and vocational training more accessible to women. The session’s focus on breaking economic and social barriers for women through financial literacy and career readiness reflects GWNZ’s ongoing efforts to support women’s economic security and workforce participation. The session also addressed the need for greater representation of women in leadership and decision-making, a key advocacy area for GWNZ. By promoting policies that support women’s leadership in governance, business, and trade, GWNZ works to ensure that women’s voices are included at all levels of decision-making. The session’s discussions on gender diversity, inclusion, and breaking barriers in leadership contribute to this goal by reinforcing the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and systemic change. Finally, the session’s emphasis on wellness and self-investment resonates with GWNZ’s holistic approach to women’s empowerment. Ensuring that women have access to mental and physical health resources, work-life balance, and well-being initiatives is crucial for long-term success. Women’s Empowerment Toolkit: A Roadmap for Change The Women’s Empowerment Toolkit event, sponsored by the International Human Rights Consortium (IHRC), brought together an expert panel to discuss strategies for overcoming social, economic, and cultural barriers that limit women’s progress. The session provided a roadmap for fostering an inclusive and empowered world for women. Panel Speakers: – Janice Robinson – President, International Human Rights Consortium – Sita Somara – Advocate for financial empowerment and access to education – Bobbie Shrivaastav – Expert in digital transformation and enterprise workflows – Jvothi Para – Mentor and champion for women in...

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IsabelBolli

Posted by on 5:00 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on IsabelBolli

Ms.Bolli Switzerland Amplifying voices and leadership of Women-led organisations in humanitarian GBV-response – a dialogue about expectations and realities Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and armed conflict SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Harassment (2016), Human Trafficking (2016), Sexual Health and Reproduction Education (2019), Human Rights for Refugee and Refugee Women and Children (2019) Switzerland has a lot of humanitarian organisations, NGOs in regions of crisis and armed conflicts. The discussion about how these organisations can be financed especially 5 years after wars when women organisations are still doing or starting the real work, is relavent to them. The Sessions most important findings were: Keep on fighting, resisting and building new realities. Go from control to trus if it comes to adress the donors. Bring in the youth led women organisations. This side event at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) aimed to amplify the voices and leadership of Women-Led Organisations (WLOs) from the Majority World engaged in gender- based violence (GBV) interventions in humanitarian action. It provided a platform for dialogue and exchange among WLOs, donor governments, and other stakeholders to advance the meaningful participation of WLOs in humanitarian GBV response and coordination. By centring the voices of WLOs, this event seeked to addressed power relations in the humanitarian system and highlight women’s leadership in building a more equitable, accountable system that empowers women and girls. Objectives of this session: • Amplify the voices and enhance the visibility of WLOs through the global CSW platform • Reinforce commitments on women’s leadership and future direction of WLOs’ participation in GBV Interventions • Engage donors and humanitarian stakeholders in key recommendations • Foster collaboration between WLOs, donors and humanitarian stakeholders • Present findings of the report “Redefining Resilience: Strengthening Women-Led Organisations to Lead GBV Intervention in Crisis Situations” widely and advocate for systemic change • Strengthen WLOs, recognizing that their leadership directly improves support and outcomes for the communities they serve. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} Contacts are exchanged. Findings can be...

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IsabelBolli

Posted by on 4:44 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on IsabelBolli

Ms.Bolli Switzerland Women Leadership: How traumas develop power and decision making Global Women Leadership Foundation www.iamclaudia.nl IAMCLAUDIA – because it matters Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Institutional mechanisms SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality Bullying (2016), Workplace Harassment (2022) To Graduate Women Switzerland this session was particularly important, because the traumas explained by the speakers affect Switzerland and especially the career of women in Switzerland similarly as the outlined from the speakers. The traumas shaping their leadership identiy that are important to Swiss women are: Job loss, reproductive rights, legal, physical challenges. The Power of this Women’s Leadership Event was nice! Five incredible women leaders from different careers and from working and living in 20 countries came together to share their stories about Leadership & Trauma. The individual stories and inputs were about migration, motherhood, workplace discrimination and career. Every story resonated with those listening. These narratives weren’t just personal; they were universal, touching on the deep and often unspoken ways our experiences shape the leaders we become. The Speakers were: Berthe De Vos-Neven, Oleksandra Harmash, Beata Wandachowicz-Krason, Marilupe Morales de Velasco, Shirley Kaye Randell AO, PhD. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} The contacts with the speakers are exchanged. A strategy how to overcome traumas and turn it into leadership identity should be written, spread and...

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SallyDunbar

Posted by on 2:35 pm in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on SallyDunbar

Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 13/3/25 – Empowerment of Women in Politics, Economy and Education Parallel event The International Council of Women(ICW), Welcome Clubs International(WCI), and Korean Institute for Women and Politics(KIWP) Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Institutional mechanisms SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), To end under representation of women in media as a positive contribution to improve the status of all women in the world (2022), Violence Against Women in Politics (2022), Climate Emergency – Declarations and Action Plans (2022) This session aligns strongly with GWNZ’s advocacy work, particularly in promoting women’s leadership, financial independence, and political participation. GWNZ has long supported initiatives that encourage women to take on leadership roles, and the session’s discussion on breaking down structural barriers in politics and the economy reinforces this commitment. The emphasis on mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, and institutional support aligns with GWNZ’s efforts to create strong networks that empower women and girls to pursue leadership positions. The call for systemic policy shifts to close the gender pay gap and ensure women have equal access to funding and opportunities is also an area where GWNZ is currently advocating for change at the national level. Additionally, the session’s focus on financial empowerment and digital inclusion resonates with GWNZ’s mission to advance education and economic security for women. Discussions around social protection systems, wealth-building strategies, and gender-responsive technology highlight key areas where GWNZ can continue to advocate for policies that support women’s financial independence and economic resilience. The recognition that gender equality must be embedded in decision-making structures aligns with GWNZ’s ongoing work in policy influence and governance representation. This session reinforced the need for bold, collective collaborative action—a principle that sits at the heart of GWNZ’s advocacy efforts for a more equitable future. This event, co-hosted by the International Council of Women (ICW), Welcome Clubs International (WCI), and the Korean Institute for Women and Politics (KIWP), evaluated progress since the Beijing Declaration and addressed barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation in politics and the economy. Key Takeaways from the panel: 1. The Gender Leadership Gap Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership across politics and business. In 2024, only 27% of parliamentary seats and 23% of cabinet positions worldwide were held by women, with just 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs being female. The 20% global gender pay gap reinforces financial disparities that hinder women from entering politics, where funding is crucial. 2. Barriers to Women’s Political Participation Structural barriers, including economic and social biases, masculine political culture, and psychological violence, continue to discourage women from entering politics. Gender-based political violence is normalised and must be actively addressed. Women need funding, networks, and institutional support to run for office. 3. Economic Inequality and Women’s Financial Empowerment With men holding the majority of global wealth, women’s financial independence is critical to closing the gap. Solutions discussed included: • Care infrastructure to prevent women from being forced out of the workforce. • Asset management...

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SallyDunbar

Posted by on 3:28 am in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on SallyDunbar

Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 13/3/25 – Empowerment of Women in Politics, Economy and Education Parallel event The International Council of Women(ICW), Welcome Clubs International(WCI), and Korean Institute for Women and Politics(KIWP) Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Institutional mechanisms SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), To end under representation of women in media as a positive contribution to improve the status of all women in the world (2022), Violence Against Women in Politics (2022), Climate Emergency – Declarations and Action Plans (2022) This session aligns strongly with GWNZ’s advocacy work, particularly in promoting women’s leadership, financial independence, and political participation. GWNZ has long supported initiatives that encourage women to take on leadership roles, and the session’s discussion on breaking down structural barriers in politics and the economy reinforces this commitment. The emphasis on mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, and institutional support aligns with GWNZ’s efforts to create strong networks that empower women and girls to pursue leadership positions. The call for systemic policy shifts to close the gender pay gap and ensure women have equal access to funding and opportunities is also an area where GWNZ is currently advocating for change at the national level. Additionally, the session’s focus on financial empowerment and digital inclusion resonates with GWNZ’s mission to advance education and economic security for women. Discussions around social protection systems, wealth-building strategies, and gender-responsive technology highlight key areas where GWNZ can continue to advocate for policies that support women’s financial independence and economic resilience. The recognition that gender equality must be embedded in decision-making structures aligns with GWNZ’s ongoing work in policy influence and governance representation. This session reinforced the need for bold, collective collaborative action—a principle that sits at the heart of GWNZ’s advocacy efforts for a more equitable future. This event, co-hosted by the International Council of Women (ICW), Welcome Clubs International (WCI), and the Korean Institute for Women and Politics (KIWP), evaluated progress since the Beijing Declaration and addressed barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation in politics and the economy. Key Takeaways from the panel: 1. The Gender Leadership Gap Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership across politics and business. In 2024, only 27% of parliamentary seats and 23% of cabinet positions worldwide were held by women, with just 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs being female. The 20% global gender pay gap reinforces financial disparities that hinder women from entering politics, where funding is crucial. 2. Barriers to Women’s Political Participation Structural barriers, including economic and social biases, masculine political culture, and psychological violence, continue to discourage women from entering politics. Gender-based political violence is normalised and must be actively addressed. Women need funding, networks, and institutional support to run for office. 3. Economic Inequality and Women’s Financial Empowerment With men holding the majority of global wealth, women’s financial independence is critical to closing the gap. Solutions discussed included: • Care infrastructure to prevent women from being forced out of the workforce. • Asset management...

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SallyDunbar

Posted by on 3:09 am in CSW 65 Reports | Comments Off on SallyDunbar

Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 14/3/25 -Educating Women and Girls: Advancing their Empowerment and Equality Parallel event. Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and Women Graduates-USA Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Women and poverty, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Harassment (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022), A Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment is a Human Right (2022) This session aligns closely with GWNZ’s advocacy work in promoting education, leadership, and gender equality for women and girls. The discussion reinforced the importance of ensuring equitable access to quality education, a core focus for GWNZ, particularly in supporting women’s academic and professional advancement. The emphasis on mentorship and intergenerational learning reflects GWNZ’s commitment to fostering strong networks that empower women through shared knowledge and support. The innovative solutions presented, such as digital learning tools for marginalised girls, highlight the need for bold, practical approaches—an area where GWNZ continues to advocate for systemic change to close educational gaps and increase opportunities for all women. Additionally, the session’s focus on leadership development and critical thinking aligns with GWNZ’s work in encouraging women’s participation in governance, decision-making, and policy advocacy. The discussion on media’s role in shaping public perceptions and driving change echoes GWNZ’s efforts to influence conversations around gender equality at a national level. The call to bring CEDAW back into CSW discussions also supports GWNZ’s broader advocacy goals of strengthening legal protections and holding governments accountable for their commitments to women’s rights. This session reinforced the need for continued advocacy, collaboration, and action—values that remain at the heart of GWNZ’s mission. Attending this NGO CSW69 parallel event, co-hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and Women Graduates-USA, was inspiring and thought-provoking. The discussion explored how education drives gender equality and leadership, emphasising the need for innovation, collaboration, and action. Key Takeaways: 1. Education as a Pathway to Leadership Joan-Marie Aylward highlighted that leadership is shaped by education, empathy, confidence, and strong communication. She stressed the value of intergenerational learning and mentorship from both men and women. Safe spaces like The Reading Room allow women to connect and uplift each other. 2. Ensuring Access to Quality Education Wanda Bedard noted that education reduces poverty and fosters stability, but displacement and marginalisation still hinder girls’ learning. Innovation is key—tools like the ‘Rachel’ server provide free, self-directed education in local languages, increasing literacy, confidence, and school attendance without requiring Wi-Fi. 3. Developing Critical Thinking in Women and Girls Geeta Desai emphasised the changing global landscape, requiring women to strengthen critical thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Encouraging debate, questioning biases, and fostering multi-perspective problem-solving are crucial for the next generation of female leaders. 4. Addressing Barriers to the Beijing Platform for Action Soon-Young Yoon highlighted the gap between commitments on paper and real action. Governments must be held accountable. Media plays a major role in educating society and driving change. Gender equality is interconnected...

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