From Words to Action: A Powerful Call at CSW69 for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

This March, I was honored to attend the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York City. As a delegate and advocate for gender equality, this experience was more than just a gathering—it was a movement. This year’s session also marked the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to advancing women’s rights globally.

CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Every year, CSW brings together UN member states, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and gender advocates worldwide to assess progress, share strategies, and push for policy change. The 2025 theme was especially urgent: “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.”

Among the many compelling sessions I attended, one stood out for its urgency and global relevance: the “Group of Friends on the Elimination of Violence Against Women,” hosted by the European Union on March 13th.

This session was a powerful reminder that despite decades of progress, violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. Representatives from various countries, civil society groups, and human rights organizations gathered to amplify the message that laws are not enough—implementation and accountability are essential.

Key takeaways:

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to be a harsh reality in many parts of the world. Speakers emphasized the need for stronger community-based interventions, legal enforcement, and education to eliminate this practice.
• Cyber violence, including online harassment, image-based abuse, and digital stalking, is an emerging threat that disproportionately affects women and girls. This digital form of violence must be treated with the same urgency as physical violence.
• Gender-based violence laws must be upheld and enforced. Too often, legislation exists on paper but fails in practice due to a lack of enforcement, corruption, or cultural barriers.
• Access to justice must be made a reality for all women. This includes legal aid, survivor-centered support services, and institutional reform to make justice systems more responsive and inclusive.
• In today’s climate, gender equality is under increasing threat from rising authoritarianism to pushback against women’s rights globally. It’s a stark reminder that progress is not guaranteed.
• The European Union emerged as a strong global leader in this fight, reaffirming its commitment to supporting gender equality through diplomacy, funding, and partnerships.

One message echoed throughout the session: words are not enough. Action is what counts.

Looking ahead with hope

While the session addressed serious challenges, it also left me feeling hopeful. The solidarity, courage, and innovation on display at CSW69 were energizing. Across cultures, generations, and sectors, advocates are rising to meet the moment with fierce determination.

Implementing gender equality in our everyday lives doesn’t require a UN badge or a seat at a global summit. It begins in how we educate our communities, support survivors, challenge harmful norms, and push for policies that protect all women and girls—including in the digital space. Whether you’re lobbying your local representatives, volunteering at a women’s shelter, or simply having conversations that challenge the status quo, your voice matters.

As CSW69 showed us, change is possible when we stand together, speak truth to power, and refuse to settle for anything less than justice.

Let’s keep the momentum going. The work continues because gender equality is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.