Council on the Status of Women (CSW) 69, United Nations, March 2025

A report by Aisha Alshawaf

After a few years of listening to the experience of members who went to CSW, I was very curious and had a keen interest to participate; it is one of the most significant events on the civil society calendar.

As a first timer it was an eye opener, educational and overwhelming at times.

I was also part of the UK civil society delegation which this year had a significant increase in its representation, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers.

There was wide-ranging representation from the UK, including from NAWO (National Alliance of Women’s Organisations), International Women’s Club (IWC), GWI, WTO Women and Trade, Care International working in humanitarian work and leadership, International Women’s Alliance, Age UK, Soroptimist UK, Business and Professional Women UK.

Annette Lawson retired sociologist and charity head involved with European Women Lobby (EWL) talked about institutional mechanisms to influence governments.

There was a daily briefing at the UK mission which gave an update from the mission which was shared with all participating NGOs. In our first meeting MPs from the Women’s Equality select committee including David Burton-Sampson from Southend West and Leigh, Alex Brewer of NE Hampshire, Christine Jardine Edinburgh West. All supported the attendees with a friendly chat and showed great interest in our concerns in increasing visibility of CSW back home in our own groups as well as implementation of Beijing +30 declaration.

Margret Owen OBE lawyer involved in women rights expressed her concerns about cuts in aid as it effects humanitarian work, and the watering down of the declaration.

Equalities Minister Seema Malhotra MP attended one of our meetings and listened to members views and suggestions, saying that unity and commonality will bring civil society together.

Online harm was a significant issue especially among younger members, and they suggested supporting the bill when it goes to parliament; and also continuing to raise awareness at UN level.

Harriet Harman announced possible new funding for women’s organisations, including looking at private funding to combat domestic violence in addition to local initiatives. Lord Collins of Highbury, government spokesman for equality, focused on civil society and his role as an envoy to combat female violence in war zones such as Sudan and Rwanda. There was a valuable discussion among attendees on early marriage.

I was able to network with a host of interesting women; I attended breakfast meeting with GWI delegates, set the scene to establish connection and exchange of advice on how to navigate the extensive programs available. I met up with Vice President for Education Shirley Gillett, where she announced the theme for the next triennium, building education with sustainability.

I met with Dr Anino Emuwa founder of 100 women @ Davos, BFWG member working currently in France director of Avandis, and she agreed to participate in a BFWG meeting in October.

I attended a UN General Assembly CSW town hall session, where Secretary-general Antonio Guterres gave a talk, starting by thanking the civil society standing with them on the front line and stressing the importance of learning solutions from civil society.

Stopping misogyny and sexual violence is one of the development goals yet it is still present especially in conflict zones such as Sudan & Afghanistan. Equality should be in heart of the matter of our discussions.

Representatives were invited to talk; the first speaker used poetry to talk about equality, the 2nd discussed issues related to reducing violence against women. A 3rd young member spoke of the need to invest in the coming generation.  The Secretary-General agreed and pledged that civil society needs to keep lobbying even in these challenging times, and possibly shout louder to be heard.

Building Back Better was a side event that discussed inclusive gender response toward recovery in Ukraine.

I also attended the UN Economic Women’s empowerment session, where we listened to the Moroccan Minister of Solidarity, discussing leadership training and improving economic opportunities in Morocco.

Princess Aljohara representing Saudi Arabia talked about steps toward changes in law and regulations to promote women as leaders, lawyers and judges. This is crucial in a society where 50% of the population is women, it is essential to help women be part of IT and tech economy as key parts of moving away from petroleum dependent economy.

There followed a brief message from a representative of the World Bank commending Saudi Arabia and Morocco on the work done so far.  Karima Makika from Morocco focused on work to improve sustainable development and the need to lobby to reduce early marriage and violence against women. She spoke about reducing gender pay gap in the farming and care sectors.

Civil society was praised on the work that has been done so far.

I attended an event at the Baha’i International Community Centre on themes of women and peace, including gender equality, shifting mindsets and social norms, where inspiring examples were given. Attendees came from several countries including Germany, India, Yemen and Lebanon. There was frank discussion about cultural barriers in conflict zones and how can we overcome them.

My final event was the social dinner with GWI delegates, where I had a chance to meet up with the Australian delegation, including Shirley Randell, Emilia Randell and Jaya Dantas.