CSW 2025 Calls for Urgent Action to Overcome Stalled Gender Equality Progress

The main focus of the sixty-ninth session was the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review included an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Main topics discussed

-poverty eradication

-social protection and social services

-freedom from violence

-stigma and stereotypes

-participation, accountability and gender responsive institutions

-peaceful and inclusive societies

-environmental conservation, climate action

-resilience-building,

Summary of the findings:

-The urgency for advancing gender equality has intensified amid global crises, conflict, and slow recovery. Despite some policy developments, progress has largely stalled due to a lack of political will, inadequate resources, and persistent gender biases. Laws and policies often fail to deliver meaningful change without comprehensive implementation, such as investments in care services and support systems for survivors of violence. Economic inequality and austerity further hinder progress by limiting access to essential public services. While there is growing recognition of the connections between different gender equality issues—such as the link between care work and climate change—progress remains fragmented. Efforts remain siloed, and gains in areas like girls’ education have not translated into broader economic empowerment for women. Moving forward, four guiding principles will underpin more effective implementation of gender equality goals.

Recommendations

To advance gender equality, States must urgently strengthen national gender equality institutions with adequate mandates and sustainable funding. Inclusive and participatory processes should be expanded to empower women’s and feminist organizations in shaping policies and holding leaders accountable. Long-overdue legislative reforms, especially in family law, must eliminate discriminatory provisions. Regulatory frameworks for the private sector should ensure respect for women’s rights, and investments in gender-disaggregated data are essential to track intersecting inequalities.

Achieving gender parity in decision-making requires removing barriers to women’s full participation. Temporary special measures like gender quotas and targeted appointments should be enforced, with specific attention to marginalized groups such as Indigenous and minority women. Women’s rights organizations must be supported and protected, along with women human rights defenders, to ensure their voices influence decision-making.

More resources must be mobilized for gender equality through progressive tax systems and increased official development assistance (ODA). Public investments in gender-responsive social protection and services are key to reducing inequalities. Gender-responsive budgeting should guide spending, and all UN entities should aim to allocate at least 15% of their budgets to gender equality. International financial institutions must also be held accountable for advancing women’s rights.

In the digital era, States must close the gender digital divide by integrating gender analysis and disaggregated data into digital policies. Laws must address risks such as online gender-based violence, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias, ensuring technology serves as a tool for empowerment.

Finally, crisis response plans must be gender-responsive and inclusive. Lessons from past emergencies should inform better coordination between gender equality bodies and crisis agencies. Humanitarian responses must prioritize gender equality, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls in times of crisis.