The Beijing Declaration and the Commission on the Status of Women

This blog was written by members of the LWVUS UN Observers Group

From March 10 to 21, 2025, the UN will host its annual Commission on the Status of Women, or “CSW.” Member states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world will gather to discuss the current challenges facing and the achievements of gender equality for CSW’s 69th session. You can follow the proceedings online through UN Web TV.

What is the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women?

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively devoted to "promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality" and the empowerment of women.

The focus of the 2025 session will be reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (see below) and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly on “gender equality, development, and peace for the twenty-first century.” It will include an assessment of current challenges facing and progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women.

What is the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?

In 2025, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Declaration is a groundbreaking, widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. Notably, "it was also the first global policy document on women that included a specific focus on girls’ rights." 

Per the UN:

"Since its publication, we’ve seen great strides in policies regarding the rights of women and girls worldwide. Before 1995, only 12 countries had legal sanctions against domestic violence. Today, there are 1,583 legislative measures in place across 193 countries, including 354 targeting domestic violence specifically. Today, there are also 112 countries with National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security– a significant increase from only 19 in 2010."

The Declaration's impact on the rights of women and girls nationwide cannot be overstated. It continues to shape policy today.

How does the League of Women Voters Participate in CSW?

The League of Women Voters of the United States has actively participated in the Commission on the Status of Women meetings since the Commission's inception in 1946. Past involvement has included presenting and commenting at Commission meetings, sponsoring panels and events, and having League members involved and in attendance.

This year, LWV has selected 20 delegates representing diverse geographies, gender identities, and ethnic backgrounds to attend CSW69. Before CSW, the UN Observer team held pre-conference orientation meetings and encouraged our delegates to attend CSW/NY Advocacy training and other preparatory events. 

During the Commission, delegates are asked to report points from CSW sessions relevant to the League’s core advocacy issues. Delegates advocate and learn by connecting the dots between the UN Global Goals or Sustainable Development Goals and LWV’s goals, highlighting the concept of “think globally and act locally.” 

Delegates regularly post their findings on our Facebook and X/Twitter. Please follow along with the UN Observers and delegates as we embark on their time at the United Nations in New York during the UN NGO Commission on the Status of Women. 

How Can You Participate in CSW?

You can tune into the the two-week forum coordinated by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY) This collection of in-person and virtual events and focuses on The same goals as UN CSW: Gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all of their diversity.

LWVUS will hold a virtual parallel event on 12 March, 2025 from 12:30 to 2:00 pm EDT. The title of the event is: “Democracy at Risk: Reactions to Voter Decline Globally.” 

You are encouraged to register in advance to participate in our parallel event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register for "Democracy At Risk"

To register and for more information the forum above, head here. There is no cost to register or attend.

The League remains dedicated to promoting women at CSW, throughout Women’s History Month, and beyond!