(Commonwealth)_ The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Gender Section is set to host a series of impactful events in New York City from 9 to 14 March 2025, coinciding with the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This year’s CSW holds particular significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), a landmark global blueprint for advancing gender equality and women’s rights.
With the theme focused on assessing progress and addressing challenges in implementing BPfA commitments, the Commonwealth Secretariat aims to foster meaningful dialogue among member countries. The events will provide a platform for representatives to share insights, strategies, and best practices in tackling gender-based inequalities.
One of the key events is the Annual Consultation of Commonwealth National Women’s Machineries, scheduled for Sunday, 9 March 2025. This consultation will gather representatives from ministries responsible for women’s affairs, alongside civil society organizations, to review progress and identify gaps in advancing the Commonwealth’s four gender equality priorities. These priorities align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the global commitment to achieving gender equality by 2030.
Discussions during the consultation will be shaped by the outcomes of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), both of which took place in Samoa in October 2024. These events highlighted the urgent need to address issues such as ending violence against women and girls, promoting women’s economic empowerment, increasing women’s political participation, and ensuring gender-responsive climate action.
The Annual Consultation will offer a collaborative space to reflect on the successes and challenges faced by member states. It will also provide an opportunity to assess how far countries have come in meeting BPfA commitments while identifying strategies to accelerate progress. Key topics on the agenda include strengthening legal frameworks to protect women and girls, enhancing data collection and reporting mechanisms, and fostering partnerships between governments and civil society.
Participation in this consultation is restricted to registered delegations, ensuring a focused and secure environment for open discussions and strategic planning. This exclusivity underscores the importance of high-level engagement and commitment from policymakers and gender advocates across the Commonwealth.
The series of events hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat aims not only to assess past progress but also to chart a way forward. With the 30th anniversary of the BPfA as a backdrop, these discussions will emphasize the need for renewed efforts and innovative solutions to close gender gaps.
Furthermore, the Secretariat’s events will serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of gender equality with broader development goals. As countries work to achieve the SDGs, the empowerment of women and girls remains central to creating inclusive societies and sustainable economies. As the world turns its attention to New York City for the 69th session of the CSW, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Gender Section will continue to champion collaboration and accountability. The insights and commitments emerging from these events will play a vital role in shaping gender-responsive policies and practices across the Commonwealth. Ultimately, the 2025 CSW events will not only honor the legacy of the Beijing Declaration but will also reinforce the Commonwealth’s unwavering dedication to a future where gender equality is a lived reality for all.
