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.
Your reports are important! This year we will offer an easy-to-complete report template.
MariamIshak
Ishak Canada From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia's Journey Towards Women Empowerment Saudia Arabia Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Violence against women SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality Women and STEM (2019), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022) See summary Speakers & Key Figures: Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil (UN Ambassador): Presented several initiatives promoting women's economic and social participation, especially in STEM fields. Dr. Sima sami Bahaus (Executive Director, UN Women) Princess Lamia Bint Majed Al Saude (CEO, Rotana Group): Advocated for children and women rights and led several initiatives like "waayia" project Dr. Maymouna Al Khalil (Head of Family Affairs Council): Addressed key legislative gaps affecting women's empowerment. Dr. Hanan El Ahmady (Member, Shura Council): Spoke on legislative efforts supporting women's rights and leadership. Prof. Einas Al-Eisa (Leader, Princess Noura University – the largest women’s university in the world): Highlighted Saudi women’s increasing presence in education. Legislative Reforms: 2022: Introduction of Family Law and removal of the male guardianship requirement. Women now hold 31% of law practice licenses in Saudi Arabia. Several female mayors and members of the shura council Economic Empowerment: Women’s workforce participation rose from 22% to 35% under Vision 2030. 24.7% of small & medium businesses in Saudi Arabia are women-owned. Cultural & Artistic Empowerment: 3,500 female artisans trained to preserve Saudi culture and craftsmanship. Production of 12,000 cultural pieces distributed in major world events STEM & Education Growth: Women now outnumber men in primary and university education. Princess Noura University continues to lead in female higher education as the largest female university in the world. Vision 2030 & Future Outlook: Strengthening policies that support women in leadership roles. Expanding female participation in STEM and entrepreneurship. Enhancing legal protections and social reforms for women’s rights. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} See...
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Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 13 March 2025: Do Older Women Have Economic and Social Rights? Parallel event. • International Council of Jewish Women • HelpAge International • The Foundation for Studies and Research on Women • National Council on Aging Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Women and health SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities Bullying (2016), Disability (2016), Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), A Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment is a Human Right (2022) This session aligns closely with Graduate Women New Zealand's (GWNZ) advocacy work, particularly in promoting lifelong education, gender equality, and economic security for women at all stages of life. GWNZ supports policies and initiatives that empower women through education, professional development, and leadership opportunities, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to society regardless of age. The discussion reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, a core principle of GWNZ’s advocacy, by addressing the need for older women to have access to educational resources, upskilling opportunities, and digital literacy programs. This ensures they remain engaged in the workforce, financially independent, and active in their communities. GWNZ’s advocacy extends to promoting intergenerational support, mentorship, and opportunities for knowledge-sharing between older and younger women. This session’s emphasis on intergenerational equity and policy inclusion further supports GWNZ’s ongoing work to shape a future where education, financial security, and gender equality are accessible to all women and girls. This virtual parallel event at CSW69/Beijing+30 examined the economic and social status of older women since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While the Beijing Platform advanced women's rights, older women remain overlooked in gender equality discussions. The session explored progress over three decades, barriers to economic security and social inclusion, and strategies to enhance protections for older women. Discussions focused on policies addressing poverty reduction, financial independence, access to services, and recognition of older women's contributions in both paid and unpaid roles. The panel discussion covered three key perspectives: – Yesterday – Reviewing commitments made during the 1995 Beijing Conference – Today – Examining older women's current financial realities and contributions – Tomorrow – Exploring efforts to strengthen economic security and social protections Speakers included Judy Lear on older women's role in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, Tanvi Patel on their current economic and social status, and Mabel Bianco on the future of older women in relation to the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, with Ramsey Alwin moderating. Despite progress, older women remain disproportionately affected by financial insecurity, age discrimination, and exclusion from economic opportunities. Many lack stable housing, struggle with financial independence, and are expected to rely on family. Forty-four percent of women over 65 do not have sufficient pension income. Many continue working in informal jobs beyond retirement age without government protections. On average, older women spend 3.5 hours daily on unpaid caregiving, limiting pension eligibility. Older women also face systemic age discrimination, restricting access to employment, financial services, and policymaking roles. Though seven major UN documents address women's rights, older women are explicitly mentioned in only three. Governments and organisations...
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Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ Tuesday 11 March 2025 WAGGS, JWLI, BPW International and World Federation of World Peace International Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, The girl child, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016), Young Members (2016), Workplace Harassment (2022), Post Pandemic Recovery for Women and Girls (2022) The CSW69 Workshop: Shaping Tomorrow – Young Women Pioneering Change for Equality aligns closely with Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) advocacy efforts, particularly in education, leadership development, gender equality, and economic empowerment for women and girls. GWNZ has long championed initiatives that remove barriers to education, promote gender equity in leadership, and support women in achieving financial independence—core themes explored in this session. The workshop’s focus on mentorship, scholarships, and leadership training directly supports GWNZ’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and career pathways for women. GWNZ’s scholarship programmes and advocacy for accessible, quality education reflect the session’s emphasis on breaking systemic barriers that limit young women’s participation in decision-making. The session’s discussion on age bias, digital harassment, and workplace challenges also ties into GWNZ’s broader efforts to address gender-based discrimination and advocate for policy changes that create safe, inclusive environments for women in leadership. Furthermore, the session’s emphasis on intergenerational collaboration and mentorship aligns with GWNZ’s vision of supporting women at all stages of their educational and professional journeys. By promoting financial literacy, advocacy training, and leadership development, this workshop reinforced the importance of empowering young women with the tools to become change-makers, a key priority of GWNZ’s work in New Zealand and globally. The insights gained from this session can inform GWNZ’s ongoing advocacy efforts, strengthening its role in shaping policies and programmes that support the next generation of women leaders. CSW69 Workshop Summary: Shaping Tomorrow – Young Women Pioneering Change for Equality This CSW69 workshop highlighted the role of young women in driving gender equality and leadership. With the global youth population at 1.8 billion, discussions focused on breaking systemic barriers, increasing participation in decision-making, and fostering collaboration. The session addressed key challenges and opportunities to support young women in shaping a more inclusive future. Key Challenges Despite progress, young women face structural, cultural, and societal barriers that limit leadership opportunities: • Confidence & Gender Stereotypes: Many young women struggle with self-doubt and fear of failure, reinforced by societal expectations. • Limited Access to Decision-Making: Age bias and systemic exclusion prevent young women from participating in leadership. • Funding & Resource Gaps: Many initiatives lack financial support, mentorship, and sustainability. • Digital Harassment: Gender-based cyberattacks discredit young women’s voices and discourage advocacy. • Balancing Advocacy & Careers: Engaging in activism can impact career progression due to gender biases. • Cultural & Legal Barriers: Institutional restrictions and deep-rooted norms hinder young women’s advancement. • Lack of Mentorship & Representation: Without relatable role models, young women struggle to envision leadership pathways. Opportunities for Change The workshop identified solutions to empower young women as leaders and change-makers: • Scholarships & Financial Support: Expanding education, mentorship, and funding for leadership development. • Confidence & Leadership Training: Public speaking, advocacy, and networking programmes to build skills. • Safe Learning Spaces: Creating inclusive, non-hierarchical environments where women can fail, learn, and grow. • Technology for...
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Mrs.Dunbar GWNZ 10 March 2025. Harnessing Aotearoa NZ's GenZ leadership to confront gender equity barriers. Side event? YWCA, Pacifica Inc, Te R?p? W?hine M?ori Toko i te Ora (M?ori Women’s Welfare League) Women and the environment SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG15 – Life on Land, SDG16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Young Members (2016) This session strongly aligns with Graduate Women New Zealand’s (GWNZ) national advocacy efforts, particularly in gender equity, indigenous rights, and intergenerational leadership. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges M?ori and Pacific women face, reinforcing GWNZ’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and advocating for systemic change. The emphasis on language restoration and cultural identity aligns with GWNZ’s focus on education and equity, recognising the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions. The reflections on intergenerational trauma and the role of ancestors in shaping leadership mirror GWNZ’s advocacy for inclusive policies that address historical injustices. Additionally, the recognition of behind-the-scenes leadership and the need to create space for marginalised voices resonates with GWNZ’s mission to empower women across all backgrounds to lead and influence change in their communities. Session Summary: Harnessing Aotearoa NZ’s Gen Z Leadership to Confront Gender Equity Barriers Monday, 10 March – Day 1 This powerful session featured young leaders from Pacifica Inc, YWCA, and Te R?p? W?hine M?ori Toko i te Ora (M?ori Women’s Welfare League), sharing their insights on gender equity. Despite Aotearoa New Zealand’s reputation for progress, intersectional challenges persist, particularly for M?ori, Pacific, and ethnic communities. The discussion highlighted resilience, cultural wisdom, and a commitment to social justice. Key Themes & Reflections from the Gen Z Panel: • Ancestral Stories & Language Restoration: The panel spoke of the deep connection to their ancestors, whose stories guide them in reclaiming their language and identity. • Intergenerational Impact & Historical Cycles: Displacement, land separation, and systemic barriers continue to affect Indigenous and Pacific communities. Learning from history helps shape a better future. • Connection to Land & Collective Identity: The land embodies life force and identity. No one stands alone—each person is interwoven into the collective fabric of their people. • Responsibility & Shared Goals: Past struggles remain raw, but there is a duty to acknowledge them while forging shared goals for M?ori and Pacific communities. • Inspiration from Role Models: The panelists highlighted Brianna Fruean, a South Pacific advocate for climate justice. Grandparents also played a crucial role in shaping their cultural identity through storytelling and weaving traditions, strengthening intergenerational connections. • Representation & Language Pride: Many faced language discrimination, both in the Pacific and New Zealand. The key message: wear your culture and language proudly. • Leadership Behind the Scenes: True leadership is about making space for others, ensuring historically silenced voices are heard. Closing Reflection: Guided by “Kia whakat?muri te haere whakamua” (I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past), the session reinforced that while Gen Z is paving new paths, their leadership is deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom. They are not just confronting barriers but shaping Aotearoa’s future with purpose. {How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15} GWNZ could collaborate with Pacifica Inc, YWCA, and Te R?p? W?hine M?ori Toko i te Ora to create intergenerational mentorship opportunities, connecting experienced leaders...
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Ms.sutherland Graduate Women Scotland Institutional relationships for a just Humanity -side event NAWO EBBF Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Institutional mechanisms SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022) Education of and retention of women within education specifically STEM 4 inputs by different women Girls do code – Sezen Sairal CEO of REEDER recognised that there was a need for e-reader in Turkey and a number of gaps in the market – building on that and with 60% women employees the company now manufacture and supply of numerous electronic devices (next up an e car) Having made her mark in the electronic and business market she realised that there was also a need for support for women artists and created the women artists platform with an empghasis on ethical art) uses STEAM (where A is for Art) Gender Inclusive policy in Institutions until (relatively) recent times women were not considered citizens and therefore not only had no vote but no rights and were not part of the decision making process and civil hierarchy. Institutions must therefore review and ensure that their polices are implementing Gender Equality not just lip service or adding the word woman to existing policy. Rationalising city and state-wide policies to ensure that Survivor Narrative is used to inform progress. Education programmes for women in prison – most is only available to long term inmates, but if 'bite-sized' educated packages are created in areas of benefits / tech and other information then women can break the cycle which sees them in and out of prison causing gaps in employment (or no employment) Creating spaces for women and girls with passion and vision 114% rise in women entrepreneurs 2% get funding from formal sources due to the way financial institutions open bank accounts/ give loans. ensuring Institutions are called to account for their employment and Gender equality policies. we need to collaborate with men in institutions to get the policies changed from...
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Ms.sutherland Graduate Women Scotland Financial Provision for Older Women NAWO Age International Widows Rights International Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Women and poverty SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022) As well as educating young women on the necessity and benefit of taking earlier control of their pension there is work to be done in communities where migrants and refugees may be entitled to payments. As an ageing population it is even more important to educate women on the equalities faced in later life through pensions and widows payments. The pension gap is now expanding along with the pay gap and is not recognised by Govts Pensions for widows are often aimed at older women rather than young widows from conflict for example. In addition many men who are lost in combat are not declared dead which leads to delay in pension or other payments. as well as the gap created by maternity leave, many women give up work earlier than male counterparts to take on more unpaid caring duties. Educating young women around accessibility and necessity of pension contribution is a core aim. For example the Work of the WASPI women in UK is ongoing and highlights the topic allowing for further conversation. Intersecting Blindfolds: – where the Government does not accept the needs of the poor they cannot interact in society an da poverty cycle is created from which they cannot escape. By educating women on their rights they challenge not only their right to pension but other community matters. Equal pay for Equal work needs to be challenged – as this also impacts potential pension. So called ‘soft’ jobs need to be evaluated against the actual skills required not out dated job titles. eg secretarial work when its a female – personal assistant when its a man . all NFA’s can take this to Govt’s to have proper job assessments. Also links to the data disaggregation piece where the comparators are not...
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Dr.Ovac?k TAUW Unique Collaboration for Women in the Earthquake Region in Türkiye Kagider, UN Women, Hepsiburada, Turkish Philanthropy Women and the economy, Women and poverty SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal Climate Change and Gender (2022) The project, which was carried out for women producers, women entrepreneurs affected by the earthquake, aims to contribute to the inclusion of women directly affected by earthquakes in the production process with training and mentoring support and to support social empowerment. My NFA can follow this example and create a similar project. Millions of women and children were affected by the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023 in southeastern Turkey. "Kagider" is a Turkish women's NGO working to support women's entrepreneurship. During the session, they talked about how they supported women after the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Women lost their homes and property and were left in poverty. They supported small women's initiatives, collaborated with a digital platform and tried to sell products produced by women. In this way, they were able to stand on their feet and contribute to the economy. It is a model for empowering women; many NFAs can collaborate with other sectors to support women entrepreneurs. UN Women supports such...
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Ms.Oudraad GWI-NL Side event: PAVING THE WAY FOR A GENDER-EQUAL ECONOMY Nordic Council of Ministers , Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden Minister of Culture and Equality of Quality of Norway Lubna Jaffery gave the opening statement. Moderator Secretary General of Nordic Council of Ministers: Karen Ellemann Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Institutional mechanisms SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Diversity in Teacher Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022) The same issues in the Nordic States apply in the Netherlands. Women’s labor market participation and economic independence are cornerstones in any gender-equal society. And we need affordable childcare irrespective of income. And joint parent leave, care of the children must be shared. Gender pay caps are getting smaller however challenges still remain also in the Nordic countries. In the public market the gaps are shrinking however in the private market there has been little development. A big issue is how to evaluate the different types of jobs on a gender-neutral bases. Although also the private market is aware of the problem. Also how to evaluate unpaid care work which is still mostly done by women! And also nursing jobs are still seen as mainly women’s jobs and low in value. Even in Finland equal pay is not yet fully implemented. The gaps are narrowing, the gab is about 16%, and to get there we need more tools to show the discrepancies etc. In Norway parental leave is 50 weeks for both partners and 64% of the population take this leave. The future will be technology driven. Women must also take part otherwise the males will keep on dominating. Thus more women in STEM, AI development and other male dominated professions. Also an employer must be critical employer, take courses thus realizing what the issues are an act accordingly. In June 2024 the ILO will be meeting and have care issues & gender equality high on the agenda. Care issues are seen as cost for society but it must also be been seen as an investment. Key is to analyze all jobs on a gender equal base. Within UWE and other regional groups of GWI make this a issue and learn from the more progressive...
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MissValencia FEMU Mexico Empowerment throught the Tree of Life. March 14 Ergosoma International Violence against women, Women and health SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being Human Rights for Refugee and Refugee Women and Children (2019), Post Pandemic Recovery for Women and Girls (2022) This can relate to mental health and how we can improve women's health with meditation and therapy. The session was mainly to prove other types of healing for women refugees through meditation and other alternatives of healing like the Tree of life that Social Workers have been doing in countries like Germany to help women who needed to run from their countries because of war. Mental health is key for having a balance life, and improve new methods to have a better life like meditation could help with anxiety or, in this case, working with women and kids refugees. What needs to be done is to be open to another kind of healing for women who have been exposed to very aggressive conditions of...
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Missv} FEMU Mexico Disability justice, youth leadership and systemic gender-based violence: Counternarratives from the Global South. March 13 Women Gaining Ground, CREA, Kenyan network for women with disabilities (Kenya), Femme forte (Uganda), Bonhishikha (Bangladesh) Women in power and decision-making, Human rights of women, Violence against women, Women and health SDG5 – Gender Equality Disability (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), Young Members (2016) The advocacy with my NFA and the work with women with disabilities still needs to be very well worked and it needs to be more written about the conditions of women with disabilities since their voices. The main focus of the session was to improve the relationship between structural inequalities and the persistence of gender-based violence centering on disability justice from the voices of young leaders. Is a very important topic talk about disabilities and how these can have the loom from the intersectional feminism. What needs to be done is to hear their voices so that governmental plans can be done from their...
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