Beijing+30: UN CSW69 Highlights Persistent Gender Inequalities
The 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), also known as Beijing+30, recently reviewed the progress made on gender equality and women's rights since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago. This conference, held under the Biden administration, marked a shift from the previous administration's attempt to remove the term 'gender' from such discussions.
CSW69/Beijing+30 addressed numerous challenges faced by women and girls worldwide, including the gender digital divide, evolving definitions of gender and sex, and culture wars. Despite progress, nearly 130 million girls remain out of school, and women earn approximately 80% of what men do for the same work. Women and girls of color, and LGBTQ+ women, are disproportionately affected by these issues.
The conference highlighted ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence, wage gaps, economic barriers, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Shockingly, one in three women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime, with femicide targeting transgender women and women of color on the rise. Delegates, including those from the Episcopal Church, participated in ecumenical and interfaith events, emphasizing the need for collective action.
The Beijing Declaration promotes gender equality and women's rights through 12 critical areas of concern. The Episcopal Church's goals for CSW69 included prioritizing resources for marginalized women and girls, increasing access to resources and decision-making, eliminating gender-based violence, and addressing climate change.
CSW69/Beijing+30 underscored the urgent need to address persistent gender inequalities and challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. With nearly 130 million girls out of school and significant wage gaps, the conference emphasized the importance of collective action and prioritizing marginalized communities. The road to true gender equality remains long, but the global community has recommitted to working towards the goals set forth in the Beijing Declaration.
