Global Leaders Unite for Gender Equality
The Commission on the Status of Women held a pivotal ministerial roundtable today during its sixty-ninth session, where representatives from various nations shared insights on their strategies for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. The discussions centered on recommitting to the Beijing Platform for Action, a landmark agreement established in 1995, which aims to enhance women’s rights and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ukraine’s Commitment Amidst Conflict
Mariana Betsa, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized her country’s unwavering commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Despite the ongoing war with the Russian Federation, Ukraine has made significant strides in advancing gender equality. Betsa highlighted the implementation of robust national strategies and policies aimed at empowering women and girls, even in the face of adversity. The war has posed severe threats to the rights and safety of women and girls, yet Ukraine has fortified its institutional gender mechanisms. This includes maintaining gender equality units within government bodies and appointing gender coordinators to ensure that gender equality remains a priority across all sectors. Furthermore, Ukraine actively supports women’s participation in peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts while providing critical assistance to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Betsa concluded by stressing that a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine hinges on security guarantees, accountability for perpetrators, and a steadfast commitment to human rights.
Technology’s Role in Gender Empowerment
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), moderated the panel and underscored the significance of the Beijing Declaration as a comprehensive global agenda for gender equality. She noted that while technology was not a focal point at the 1995 conference, its potential to empower women and girls was recognized. The declaration mentioned technology 31 times, highlighting its importance in advancing gender equality. However, Bogdan-Martin warned that the gender digital divide is widening, particularly in least developed countries, where less than 30% of women are online. This gap poses a significant challenge to achieving gender equality and underscores the need for targeted efforts to bridge it.
Innovative Strategies from Around the World
Varawut Silpa-archa, Thailand’s Minister for Social Development and Human Security, shared his country’s approach to gender equality, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and rights. Thailand has implemented gender-responsive budgeting, integrating gender perspectives into financial plans at both national and local levels. This initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including private companies, to empower women and girls effectively. Similarly, Mahinur Özdemir GöktaÅŸ, Türkiye’s Minister for Family and Social Policies, reiterated her country’s commitment to women’s rights, focusing on combating violence against women and enhancing women’s roles in education and leadership. Türkiye has also prioritized budgeting for women’s programs and increased participation in male-dominated fields like STEM.
Progress in Gender Equality Financing
Mayra Jiménez, Minister for Women of the Dominican Republic, highlighted her government’s successful strategies for financing women’s empowerment. The Dominican Republic has established methodologies to ensure gender equality is integrated into budgeting processes, resulting in a historic 131.6% increase in public investment for gender equality from 2021 to 2024. Jiménez emphasized the importance of prevention and protection against gender-based violence, showcasing the country’s commitment to creating a safer environment for women. In Nigeria, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, discussed the domestication of key international gender instruments, which has led to the establishment of gender-based violence desks in over 4,000 police divisions. Nigeria is also collaborating with the private sector to enhance women’s participation in various industries, including the blue and green economies.
Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida GorcÌŒevic, concluded the session by outlining her country’s efforts to increase women’s representation in government and decision-making roles. Montenegro has implemented mentorship programs and youth leadership development initiatives to empower younger women. Additionally, the government is incorporating gender considerations into climate policies to ensure that women, particularly in marginalized communities, have access to necessary resources during economic downturns.
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