UN Women’s CSW69
By Mpho Moloi
South Africa is set to participate in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), scheduled from 10 to 21 March 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This session holds particular significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, commonly referred to as “Beijing+30”.
South Africa’s Delegation and Objectives
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will lead the South African delegation. The country’s participation underscores its commitment to translating global gender policies into meaningful change at both regional and national levels.
Key issues South Africa aims to address at CSW69 include:
• Beijing+30 Report: Presenting progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration, identifying challenges, and highlighting priority areas for advancing gender equality.
• Women’s Economic Empowerment and Leadership: Advocating for policies that remove economic barriers for women, enhance access to financial resources, and ensure equal participation in decision-making platforms.
• Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF): Discussing legislative advancements, law enforcement initiatives, and support programs for survivors, while promoting greater international accountability on GBVF issues.
• Role in G20 Women’s Empowerment Working Group (WEWG): Leveraging South Africa’s chairmanship to align global priorities with the nation’s ongoing gender transformation agenda.
• Strengthening International Partnerships: Engaging in bilateral meetings to forge strategic alliances aimed at enhancing both domestic and international gender policies.
Progress and Challenges Highlighted in the Beijing+30 Report
South Africa’s Beijing+30 Report reflects on strides made in gender equality over the past three decades, while acknowledging ongoing challenges:
• Political Representation: Women currently hold 43.5% of parliamentary seats, an increase from 28% in 1994. Additionally, women occupy 42.66% of executive positions in the current administration.
• Education and Skills Development: Gender parity has been achieved in higher education, with female students graduating in larger numbers than their male counterparts across most fields. However, increased representation of young women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields remains a priority.
• Economic Participation: Despite progress, women continue to face wage gaps and are underrepresented in ownership, management, and control of key economic sectors. The predominance of women in the informal sector highlights the need for stronger policies promoting financial inclusion, access to credit, and workplace protections.
• Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF): While legislative and policy improvements have been made, GBVF remains a national crisis. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF emphasizes collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, and enhanced support services for survivors.
• Health and Well-being: Improvements in maternal health and expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services have been noted. However, significant disparities persist, particularly in rural areas, necessitating continued efforts to improve healthcare access and promote gender-responsive budgeting.
Global Context and CSW69 Agenda
The CSW69 session will serve as a platform for member states to evaluate progress made since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration in 1995. Despite advancements, recent reports indicate that women’s rights are under attack globally, with nearly a quarter of governments reporting setbacks in gender equality initiatives. Discrimination remains deeply entrenched in many societies, and violence against women and girls has escalated, with a 50% increase in conflict-related sexual violence since 2022.
In this context, UN Women has proposed a roadmap towards achieving gender equality by 2030, emphasizing equal access to technology, investments in social protection, and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 96 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Gauteng Provincial Government Initiates Lifestyle Audits to Enhance Transparency and Ethical Governance”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-096.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube