CSW68 and NGO CSW Forum: A Personal Reflection on Advocacy and Collaboration

As a feminist and passionate advocate for health equity and justice, my first ever participation in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 68 and the NGO CSW68 Forum that took place from March 10 to March 22, 2024 in New York, was an enlightening, enriching and also overwhelming experience. For those who are unfamiliar, the CSW is the principle intergovernmental body of the United Nations, dedicated to gender equality. It was established in 1946 and it meets annually, with a different theme every year. This year’s gathering, which brought together advocates, activists, and organisations from around the world, offered a unique opportunity to delve into discussions on the priority theme “gender equality and women’s empowerment by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.  

Preparation and Participation: A Journey of Learning and Collaboration

Preparing for attending CSW for the first time required a lot of homework: preparatory webinars by the NGO CSW Forum, learning from experienced colleagues from Wemos and Akina Mama wa Afrika, strategising within our civil society networks in the Netherlands and at global level, and a LOT of reading. 

Most importantly, this year’s CSW was an opportunity for joint advocacy and action within our Make Way partnership. Our partners Akina Mama wa Afrika and VSO, who have the necessary United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) status, submitted a statement ahead of the meeting on behalf of the Make Way partnership, highlighting the need for public financing, global tax justice and intersectionality for health equity. Youth engagement is at the heart of Make Way, so we provided scholarships and support to two amazing young women to join the team: Ngamanya Nkunika from Zambia and Mekdes Taye from Ethiopia, together with her sign language interpreter.

Highlighted Sessions: Insights and Inspiration

Throughout the event, I had the privilege of attending sessions that delved into critical issues such as feminist financing, social protection, care economy, gender policies, and the challenges faced by minoritised groups when they try to access sexual and reproductive services and realise their sexual and reproductive rights. These discussions underscored the urgent need for feminist financing and the need for the decolonisation of neoliberal economics, themes that resonated across various sessions during the conference. 

Make Way also had its own (online) session too, co-organised by Akina Mama wa Afrika, Liliane Fonds, Oxfam and Wemos, titled: “Leaving no one behind vs. pushing people behind. How can we reach those in the back first?” This session uncovered the perils of the commercialisation of healthcare; deprioritisation of primary health care and access to health for the most vulnerable, catastrophic health expenditure and human rights violations. It sparked dynamic discussions about the underlying reasons and motives, and the need to protect and realise the human right to health. It was a powerful reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring equitable access to essential services, particularly for minoritised communities. Shout-out to our amazing presenters Anna Marriott (Health Policy Manager, Oxfam) and Susan Sabano (Disability Youth Council, Liliane Fonds), as well as our moderator Srushti Mahamuni (Advocacy and SRHR Advisor, Liliane Fonds) who read the most beautiful poem reminding us that humans in need for healthcare are more than numbers; they are people with full lives that deserve their right to health. You can find more resources and information about the session here. 

Youth Participation and Engagement: Amplifying Voices for Change

One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was witnessing the meaningful participation of our youth delegates. As a mentor for youth panellists through the Make Way program, I was inspired by their passion, creativity, and dedication to advancing gender equality. It was a reminder of the importance of amplifying youth voices and involving them in decision-making processes. Besides them attending sessions and events, Ngamanya jumped on the opportunity to moderate, very successfully, a session about teenage pregnancies, while Mekdes delivered a powerful statement in sign language during the official Youth Dialogue inside the general assembly room. A huge kudos to both!

Reflecting on the experience

Participating in CSW68 and the NGO Forum was not just intellectually stimulating but also deeply humbling. Being inside the United Nations headquarters in New York, particularly the General Assembly room, was a surreal experience. The magnitude of the issues discussed within those walls and the collective efforts aimed at addressing them left a lasting impression on me. And while the outcome document of CSW68 marked a significant milestone, it also underscored the ongoing challenges and the collective determination needed to drive meaningful change (see the statement of the Women’s Rights Caucus for more details on the wins and losses of the outcome document: WRC statement on the CSW68 agreed conclusions – Fòs Feminista. The backlash was there, and it was real. For example, anti-rights actors were present during meetings and parallel events and there was pushback by some member states against gender-expansive language.

My participation in CSW68 and the NGO Forum was not just a professional obligation but a transformative journey of personal growth and advocacy. Being among so many amazing, knowledgeable, interesting people with whom we share the same values was heart-warming and affirming. It was a reminder of the power of collaboration, the importance of amplifying each other’s voices, and the collective responsibility we share in shaping a more equitable and just world.

In feminist solidarity, always,

Myria