During the week of March 9-13, 2026, I joined the League of Women Voters delegation
of UN Observers to the 70 th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (UN
CSW70), held at UN Headquarters in New York City. This annual conference brings
together thousands of government representatives and civil society advocates from
around the world to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
CSW70 took place at a time of growing global concern about democratic erosion and
increased threats to women’s rights. In the United States and elsewhere, legal and
policy changes have weakened longstanding civil rights protections and reduced
support for international institutions focused on gender equality. Against this backdrop,
the conference offered a powerful reminder of the breadth, resilience, and determination
of feminist organizations working worldwide to protect access to justice for women and
girls.
I attended approximately sixteen thought-provoking sessions during the first week of
this two-week conference. This summary provides brief background on the UN
Commission on the Status of Women, highlights key League-related policy frameworks,
and shares selected observations and themes from the sessions I attended.
Background
Established in 1946, the Commission on the Status of Women has played a central role
in promoting women’s rights, documenting the lived realities worldwide, and shaping
global standards for gender equality. The focus of CSW70 was ensuring and
strengthening access to justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive legal
systems and eliminating discriminatory laws and structural barriers, within the broader
theme of accelerating gender equality.
League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has a small permanent team of
United Nations Observers with official consultative status to the UN. Each year, the
League’s UN Observer Corp selects delegates from local and state Leagues to attend
CSW. Delegates monitor sessions, engage with civil society partners, and advocate for
women’s rights and gender equality. This year’s delegation included both experienced
participants and first-time attendees, fostering an engaged and collaborative group.'
League Policies and UN Frameworks
Two key United Nations frameworks, which are integral to the League's advocacy work, played a significant role in shaping the discussions at CSW70.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW): CEDAW is a landmark international treaty developed through
decades of work by the CSW to codify global human rights standards for women.
The United States remains one of only seven countries that have not ratified the
treaty. For more than twenty years, the League has advocated for CEDAW
ratification through federal lobbying, public education, and resolutions. The
League also promotes the “Cities for CEDAW” framework, including through a
resolution adopted at LWVUS 2024 National Convention.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): In 2015, all 193 UN Member States
adopted a set of 17 global goals intended to end poverty, protect the planet, and
ensure prosperity for all by 2030. These interconnected goals serve as a shared
framework for governments, institutions, and civil society organizations. The
League’s Impact on Issues aligns with several SDGs, including gender equality
(SDG 5), clean water (SDG 6), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), climate action
(SDG 13), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). The League’s
emphasis on “thinking globally and acting locally” reflects this framework.
Session Highlights
Throughout the conference, civil society delegates observed official UN CSW70
sessions in the General Assembly and attended UN-hosted side events and NGO-
organized parallel events. Speakers included government representatives, international
organizations, and grassroots advocates, with all sessions tied to the central theme of
access to justice.
“The Vote”
One of the most notable sessions for me occurred on March 9 during the adoption of
the “Agreed Conclusions,” the document that provides a concrete framework for
governments’ policy implementation following the conference. UN Member States had
negotiated the draft agreement in the months leading up to CSW70.
I was present in the General Assembly when a vote was taken on the Agreed
Conclusions. The session grew contentious when the U.S. representative to the UN
attempted to first defer the vote, then withdraw the document, and—when those efforts
failed—to introduce eight amendments. The objections, which the United States had not
previously submitted for consideration, targeted provisions related to climate change,
gender responsive justice, and reproductive health.
Ultimately, the proposed amendments were defeated, and the document was approved
by a vote of 37 in favor, 1 against (the United States), and 6 abstentions. Hundreds of
feminist activists in the General Assembly chamber erupted in applause following the
vote. Press coverage highlighted the growing isolation of the United States on these
issues, including UN coverage, Health Policy Watch, and Pass Blue.
The Case for an International Anti-Corruption Court
On March 11, I attended a LWVUS co-sponsored event focused on advocating for the
creation of an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC). The proposed court
would hold powerful kleptocrats and their co-conspirators accountable when
national governments are unwilling or unable to do so. The initiative has gained
broad international support in recent years.
To advance the proposal, Integrity Initiatives International convened a group of
legal experts and scholars to draft a statute, which is outlined in a detailed policy
brief. Speakers emphasized that corruption disproportionately harms women by
entrenching inequality, diverting resources, and undermining legal protections.
Given the League’s long-standing commitment to accountability, democratic
governance, and strong international institutions, this proposal aligns closely with
League priorities.
Snapshots of Cross-Cutting Themes
“If They Don’t Give You a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair”
Several speakers invoked versions of this Shirley Chisholm quote to emphasize the
importance of women’s leadership and decision-making power. Promoting STEM
education for women and investing in women-led organizations were identified as key
strategies for dismantling structural and cultural barriers.
Mind the Gap: Gender Justice in the Workplace
Several sessions underscored how economic inequality and gender wage gaps remain
central barriers to gender justice. In the United States, the largest pay gaps affect
women of color, and women at every educational level earn less than men. Proposed
remedies include raising the minimum wage, increasing unionization, expanding pay
transparency, and strengthening enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
Justice on Paper is Often Inaccessible in Practice
Another recurring theme was that justice systems only function when they are
accessible and trusted by the people they are meant to protect. Laws alone are
insufficient if women are unaware of their rights or fear retaliation for seeking help.
Removing structural and cultural barriers to access is essential.
The Rise of Technology-Facilitated Violence
Several sessions focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence and technology-
facilitated gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for survivor-centered justice
approaches. While technology offers opportunities for advancement, it is also amplifying
inequalities and enabling new forms of harm that move from online abuse to offline
violence. Recommendations included stronger legal frameworks, corporate
accountability, public education, and comprehensive support services.
“Climate Change is Not Gender Neutral”
This theme also emerged repeatedly across sessions, highlighting the disproportionate
impact of climate change on women and girls. Natural disasters and resource scarcity
increase vulnerability to trafficking, sexual exploitation, and intimate partner violence.
Addressing these risks requires gender-responsive policies, women’s leadership in
decision-making, and robust survivor support systems.
Conclusion
CSW70 underscored that global progress on women’s rights depends not only on
international agreements, but on sustained local advocacy. Through education, policy
engagement, and civic action, the League of Women Voters is uniquely positioned to
translate global commitments into meaningful local change.