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 Chilsom 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.