Advocating for Inclusivity: Liliane Fonds’ Participation at CSW68

The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) convened from March 11th to 22nd, with a resounding 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.” Against the backdrop of 10.3% of women living in extreme poverty globally, CSW68 served as a platform for governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists worldwide to discuss strategies to end women’s poverty and advance gender equality.

Liliane Fonds, alongside our Youth with Disabilities council representatives, actively participated in CSW68 to advocate for the rights of women and girls with disabilities. Our primary objective was to ensure that UN Women, along with all member states and organizations working on women’s rights, incorporate women and girls with disabilities, encompassing their diverse experiences, in all efforts to advance human rights.

Care and Support

Throughout the two weeks of CSW68, numerous significant and thought-provoking events unfolded. Side events shed light on the care economy and the disproportionate burden it places on women and girls. However, amidst discussions centered around caregivers, questions arose regarding the inclusion of care receivers, particularly children with disabilities, in decision-making processes. How can their interests be placed at the forefront of discussions?

SRHR

Women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals face disproportionate challenges regarding poverty, which subsequently impact their sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Compounded vulnerabilities, such as disability, age, ethnicity, and location, exacerbate these challenges, often impeding access to essential services. The resurgence of anti-rights movements globally further threatens the progress made towards gender equality. At CSW, we urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and member states to recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles and advocate for policy changes that prioritize the autonomy and well-being of all individuals, particularly those most marginalized.

Agreed Conclusion

During CSW, member states negotiate an agreed conclusion, providing a space to address intersectional issues, including those faced by women and girls with disabilities. While progress has been made, there remains a need for greater integration of disability rights across all aspects of the conference. A significant achievement this year was the inclusion of a paragraph in the agreed conclusion specifically addressing the rights of women and girls with disabilities. This milestone underscores the imperative to remove barriers and ensure their full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes and policy implementation.

For the full conclusions of CSW68, visit UN Women’s official website

At Liliane Fonds, we remain committed to advocating for inclusivity and amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities on global platforms like CSW. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, enjoys equal rights and opportunities.

_{Authors: Lisanne van der Steeg (Lobby and Advocacy Advisor) and Srushti Mahamuni (Intersectional SRHR Advocacy Advisor).}