The 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held March 11-22, 2024, acknowledged the critical need to resolve enduring gender gaps and inequities. However, there are still issues and places where growth has been sluggish as the deadline for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda draws near. Women, especially young women, are disproportionately underrepresented in the political, economic, and social arenas around the world despite growing awareness and advocacy initiatives to create change. In response, the CSW highlighted youth-led organizations that are giving priority to programs that encourage mentorship opportunities, women's leadership and involvement, and gender-balanced representation in all spheres of governance and decision-making.In addition, attempts to achieve gender equality are greatly aided by UN Women’s thematic focus for each session of the CSW yearly meetings. For example, recent key themes have included topics like guaranteeing access to high-quality healthcare and education, eradicating violence against women and girls, and empowering women economically. In order to ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for gender equality and women's empowerment, UN Women and youth advocates integrate their plans and strategies with these key topics. This will help to speed progress towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Prepared by Rachel Gurung, Social Justice Advocate Co-op Student
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