Overview of the Sixty-Fifth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65)
15 to 26 March 2021
By Genia Peterson, ICUUW Representative at CSW65
More than 25,000 individuals from around the world registered to virtually attend the 700 civil society-led parallel events. In addition, they could also participate in 200 events sponsored by UN member states.
The priority theme of the CSW65 was women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and girls around the globe was highlighted at many of the events. COVID-19 has increased gender inequities worldwide. There were reports of rising violence against women as well as the very high adverse global economic impact the pandemic had on women and girls.
A positive development at this year’s conference was the focus on recognizing young people’s efforts in working toward a more equal recovery from COVID-19 and a sustainable future. In keeping with the Conference’s goal of women’s full and effective participation in the decision-making processes, many of the events focused on listening to the voices of the young people. There seemed to be recognition that everyone should be part of the decision-making process so that they can speak for themselves. The discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities for young people to meaningfully influence decisions at the highest levels, especially when their views differ from their government’s views.
At the “Joyful Disruption Rally” at the end of the conference, a powerful video was shown. The video focused on young women and girls from each region of the globe describing their current life and what their futures would be if they were part of the decision-making process. One of the most powerful moments came toward the end, when images wrapped in plastic emerged from a car. When the images started to speak about their future, they emerged from the plastic as young women who insisted on being heard so they could determine their own destiny.
I would like to thank the ICUUW for the opportunity to participate as a delegate in the CSW65 Conference.
Read the full report: CSW65 Reports 2021