CSW 65: An Opportunity for ECPAT-USA to Promote How to Protect Children from Commercial Sexual Exploitation on the World Agenda

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the main global intergovernmental body that focuses exclusively on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Established in 1946, the Commission prepares recommendations on promoting women’s and girl’s rights in political, civil, social, economic, and educational areas. Since the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995), it has also been directed by the General Assembly to monitor progress made in the implementation of the 12 critical areas of concern in the Platform for Action. The Platform for Action, unanimously adopted at the Conference 20 years ago, remains the blueprint for actions necessary to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Traditionally, the CSW meets every year in New York for two weeks and is the largest gathering of governments, civil society, and the UN to develop a global agenda to advance the status of women and girls. This year, the event will be held virtually and focus on the theme of women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life as well as reviewing the implementation of the 2016 theme, women’s empowerment and the link to sustainable development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 and enthusiastically endorsed by civil society, has become a priority working plan for UN entities, like the Commission on the Status of Women. It is “a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all.” 

The achievement of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is linked to the progression of the others. Although our CSW panel this year focuses on Goal 10 - Reducing Inequalities - there is no question that this goal cannot be reached without first achieving Goals 1-5: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Gender Equality. 

ECPAT-USA will be participating in CSW 65 by holding an NGO Parallel Event. Our online discussion on March 17 at 11 a.m. ET will touch on the root causes of gender inequality such as unequal power relations, social norms, practices, and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination against girls. These vulnerabilities and marginalization not only place girls at risk for commercial sexual exploitation but deny them the full realization of their human rights and equal opportunities. 

The ECPAT-USA panel requires pre-registration as an “Advocate” with the NGO/CSW Forum as well as registration for the event. You can learn more here.

By Jackie Shapiro, ECPAT-USA UN ECOSOC Main Representative and former Chairperson of the ECPAT-USA Board of Directors

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