A Shock and Awe Moment - Lady Tee Thompson - CSW69 Reflection

A Shock and Awe Moment: Reflections on CSW69 from 14 Years at the Frontlines of Gender Equality

By Lady Tee Thompson,

After 14 years of advancing gender equality and navigating the nuanced corridors of United Nations processes during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), I have borne witness to both substantial gains and disheartening regressions in the global women’s rights movement. Yet, the closing of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the 18th plenary meeting on March 21, 2025, delivered an unprecedented confluence of ideological clashes that I argue fundamentally threaten the integrity of multilateral gender commitments.

A Struggle for Progress Amidst Polarization

This year’s plenary encapsulated the dialectical tension between progressive advancement and regressive resistance on gender equality discourses. Member states articulated sharply divergent paradigms, with some advocating for inclusive frameworks while others explicitly challenged foundational human rights principles.

Chile astutely highlighted the lacunae in this year’s political declaration, asserting, “it is not possible to slide back against what has already been agreed, and that women’s rights are human rights, including the right to development” (UN Women Global Database on Violence Against Women). Their insistence on addressing femicide, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and intersectional violence is not only timely but essential, given that approximately 137 women are killed daily by a family member worldwide (UN Women).

Colombia reinforced the necessity of embedding intersectionality within global frameworks, emphasizing that structural discrimination persists across ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This call aligns with evidence that Afro-descendant women face wage disparities up to 37% relative to white counterparts in Latin America (ECLAC Gender Equality Observatory).

Mexico’s intervention powerfully questioned the erosion of universal principles: “Why do some countries seem to have forgotten that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights?” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). With women’s political representation stagnating at 26% globally since 2023 (Inter-Parliamentary Union), Mexico’s critique underscores systemic inertia.

Brazil, invoking Simone de Beauvoir, foregrounded the perils of ideological backlash and reaffirmed their commitment to “strengthen the rights of women and girls.” This is critical, particularly as over 200 million women globally remain without access to modern contraceptives (Guttmacher Institute).

Canada, representing the Mountains group, reiterated that “the empowerment of women and girls is not a threat to families nor the state”, a claim supported by macroeconomic analyses showing gender parity could contribute $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025 (McKinsey Global Institute).

Troubling Pushbacks and Impact on the Pact for the Future

In sharp contrast, Argentina’s dissociation from gender-responsive terminology and intersectionality, alongside Russia’s categorical rejection of menstrual health language and gender parity, signify profound ideological entrenchment. Argentina’s critique of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and unpaid care work remains particularly concerning, given that women perform over 75% of unpaid care globally (ILO Care Work and Care Economy Report). Similarly, Russia’s minimization of menstrual health, affecting 500 million women worldwide, reveals a systemic disregard for bodily autonomy and equity (UNICEF Menstrual Health and Hygiene).

These ideological resistances undermine several key chapters of the Pact for the Future, notably:

Chapter II: International Peace and Security, by neglecting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
Chapter IV: Youth and Future Generations, by failing to safeguard inclusive participation and equitable health rights for all generations.
Chapter V: Transforming Global Governance, through obstructionist positions that fracture consensus on human rights-based approaches.
Chapter VI: Science, Technology, and Innovation, by resisting language around digital inclusion, STEM education for women, and menstrual health as essential to full participation.

Commendation to UN Women

Amidst these tensions, Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, delivered remarks of intellectual gravitas and political clarity, underscoring UN Women’s commitment to gender equality despite geopolitical headwinds. Her call for strategic investment in STEM education for women and the eradication of gender-based violence echoes robust, evidence-based approaches essential for achieving structural transformation.

Looking Ahead to CSW70: Poverty, Financing, and Intergenerational Equity

As we prepare for CSW70 with the priority theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective” (UN Women CSW70 Priority Theme), it is imperative to assert that intergenerational frameworks remain foundational to these efforts. The meaningful engagement of youth, elders, and cross-sector leadership will be critical in dismantling economic and structural barriers.

The setbacks encountered at CSW69 must catalyze a recalibrated commitment to intersectional accountability, robust financing mechanisms, and institutional resilience.

A Crucial Moment in History

The closure of CSW69 revealed not only the persistent polarization among member states but also the fragility of global consensus on gender justice. It underscores that gender equality cannot be assumed as a linear or inevitable trajectory. As supporters, practitioners, and/or future policymakers, we must heed Dr. Bahous’ rallying call for principled perseverance. Our grassroots work now demands not only advocacy but also rigorous analysis, intersectional praxis, and sustained multilateral engagement.

Indeed, gender equality remains both an epistemological pursuit and a moral imperative. At UNA Women, we remain vigilant, hopeful, and committed to this enduring struggle, ensuring that every step taken is not merely performative but substantively transformative.