The United Nations Commission on the Status of women (CSW) has commenced its 68th session at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking the largest annual assembly on global gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Assembled representatives from Member States convened to assess the strides made in gender equality, tackle persisting challenges, establish global benchmarks, and craft concrete policies aimed at fostering gender parity and women’s advancement.

The CSW, a pivotal forum within the UN Economic and Social Council, has historically been instrumental in shaping international norms concerning women’s rights, notably with the adoption of landmark documents such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.

This year’s session centers on the theme, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Ghana, a participating member state, is represented by a delegation led by Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson (MP), the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Caretaker Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The delegation includes Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director, Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director for the Department of Gender, some MP’s and notable traditional leaders.

CSW68 provides a platform for governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists from across the globe to collaborate on strategies and investments aimed at eradicating women’s poverty and advancing gender equality.

Key focal points of discussion include gender-based violence, economic empowerment, political participation, access to education and healthcare, and the intersectional impacts of emerging challenges such as climate change and technological advancements on women’s lives.