Government representatives, civil society leaders and UN officials called for renewed global commitment to dismantle discriminatory laws and structural barriers that continue to restrict women’s rights.
Running from March 9 to 19, CSW70 is focused on strengthening justice systems so that women and girls can claim their rights equally. The priority theme urges countries to promote inclusive legal frameworks, eliminate discriminatory legislation and address entrenched inequalities that prevent women from accessing fair remedies.
Opening the session, UN Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that despite decades of advocacy, gender inequality remains deeply rooted. “We still live in a male‑dominated world and a male‑dominated culture,” he said, describing gender equality as fundamentally “a question of power”. He cited UN data showing that women hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men and stressed that justice remains “a distant dream for millions upon millions of women and girls”.
Guterres highlighted how discriminatory laws, patriarchal norms, conflict, climate change and widening economic inequality are compounding the challenges facing women worldwide. “Justice for women and girls must be a cornerstone of the world we seek to build,” he told delegates.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous echoed the urgency of the moment, warning that progress toward equality is moving far too slowly. She said the global gap in legal protections could still take centuries to close unless countries accelerate reforms. “Member States and partners gathered here represent the most powerful of constituencies,” she said. “That power is more than sufficient to make a difference.”
Looking ahead, Bahous reminded delegates that Member States will soon choose the next UN Secretary‑General and stressed that UN Women stands ready to work with a woman in that role. “We will be proud to serve and work with a Madam Secretary‑General,” she said.
The two‑week session is expected to produce negotiated recommendations aimed at strengthening justice systems and creating more equitable legal environments for women and girls worldwide.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
