The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 70) took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026. Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world were invited to attend the session. The themes for CSW 70 were:

• Priority theme: Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.
• Review theme: Women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-fifth session).

At CSW 70, our NGO was honored to participate in critical events that addressed global challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality. Among the most pivotal moments were our contributions to the Townhall Meeting with the UN Secretary-General and the Advancing Women’s Economic Rights in Law and Practice session. These events provided unique opportunities for dialogue with global leaders and showcased our continued commitment to advancing women’s rights, particularly in economic spheres and legal reform.

Townhall Meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General and Civil Society

The annual Townhall Meeting with the UN Secretary-General, held in the margins of CSW 70, serves as a key platform for civil society to engage directly with the UN leadership. This year, the event was moderated by Sima Bahous, UN Women’s Executive Director, and was attended by representatives from ECOSOC-accredited NGOs, including our own delegation. The meeting provided a unique opportunity to share our perspectives on pressing issues affecting women and girls worldwide and discuss the critical work needed to ensure gender equality in all sectors.

The Townhall focused on themes of:

• Global challenges to gender equality amid increasing pushback against women’s rights.
• The importance of women’s voices in shaping global policies, particularly in relation to peacebuilding, economic inclusion, and access to justice.
• The role of civil society in supporting the UN’s ongoing gender equality efforts.

Our NGO had the opportunity to contribute to the conversation by presenting key issues in our area of focus—access to justice, women’s economic rights, and the need for systemic legal reforms to eliminate gender-based discrimination. During the meeting, we emphasized the urgent need for:

• Stronger global advocacy to protect women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
• Support for women in conflict zones, particularly regarding their participation in peace processes.
• Increased funding for grassroots organizations working directly with marginalized women and girls.

The Secretary-General’s remarks were a call to action, urging all stakeholders to unite in ensuring that the gains made in women’s rights are not rolled back. Our NGO was proud to be part of the vibrant exchange during this Townhall, offering our insights and ensuring that the voices of women from diverse backgrounds were heard on the global stage.

Advancing Women’s Economic Rights in Law and Practice

One of the key events during CSW 70 was the session on “Advancing Women’s Economic Rights in Law and Practice”, which focused on the importance of legal reform in advancing women’s economic rights and closing the gender gap in economic opportunities. The discussion highlighted the persistent barriers posed by discriminatory laws and practices, including limited access to land, property, finance, and business opportunities for women.

Experts and advocates shared successful examples of rule of law interventions aimed at improving women’s economic security and ensuring greater participation in the workforce, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. The session also emphasized the need for inclusive legal systems that support women’s rights in all economic spheres, contributing to broader social and economic development.

Key Insights and Takeaways

Both the Townhall Meeting with the UN Secretary-General and the Advancing Women’s Economic Rights session reinforced the need for coordinated action between governments, international organizations, and civil society to achieve meaningful progress for women’s rights. Some of the key takeaways from our participation included:

• Legal reforms are critical for ensuring that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive economically.
• Global solidarity is essential to counter the rising backlash against women’s rights, especially in the context of sexual and reproductive rights and economic inclusion.
• Civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion of women in decision-making processes and ensuring that their voices are heard in global forums.

As we move forward, our NGO remains committed to:

• Advocating for legal reforms that ensure women’s economic rights are protected.
• Strengthening partnerships with governments and other organizations to promote gender-responsive economic policies.
• Continuing our efforts to ensure that women’s voices are at the forefront of international policy discussions on gender equality.

Participation in these sessions at CSW 70 has reinforced our resolve to continue fighting for women’s rights, particularly in legal and economic spheres. The discussions at the Townhall with the UN Secretary-General and the session on women’s economic rights highlighted the critical intersection of law, policy, and practice in advancing gender equality. We are excited to continue our work, collaborate with global leaders, and support women and girls around the world in realizing their full potential.