As the world marks Beijing+30, commemorating three decades since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) remains steadfast in advancing the agenda of gender equality and women’s empowerment. We are pleased to announce our participation in the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), where we will co-host a parallel event titled:
From Beijing to Countryside: Rural Women’s Experiences/Perspectives on Gender Equality
🗓️ Date: March 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm (EDT) | 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (CAT) | 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm (SAST)
📍 Venue: Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN), 10th Floor, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY
Click here to join ZOOM meeting
Speakers:
- Cebile Dhlamini, Swaziland Rural Women Assembly
- Thandiwe Chidavarume, Women and Land in Zimbabwe
- Juanita Babirye, Girls for Climate Change
- Emilia Hatendi, Centre for Development of Women and Children
- Ndudi Bowei, International Centre for Environment Health and Development
- Rose Buabeng, African Women’s Development Fund
Facilitator:
- Jeninah Kabiswe
This event will bring together rural women leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore critical topics such as rural women’s empowerment, climate change challenges, and innovative solutions for resilience. A diverse panel of speakers will share insights and lived experiences, ensuring that rural women’s perspectives are represented on the global stage.
About the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The CSW, established in 1946 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the primary global body dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Over the decades, the CSW has contributed to significant milestones, including:
- The Convention on the Political Rights of Women (1953), the first international treaty to recognize women’s political rights.
- The landmark Beijing Conference (1995), which produced the influential Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a comprehensive global policy framework for gender equality.
The 69th Session of the CSW (CSW69), taking place from March 10 to 21, 2025, will focus on reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
RWA’s Mission: Bringing Rural Women’s Voices to the Global Stage
As the global community reflects on Beijing+30 and the progress toward gender equality, RWA is bringing forward the lived experiences and pressing needs of rural women across Southern Africa. We believe that transformative policies and actions are essential to address:
- Land Rights: Ensuring rural women have secure access to land and resources.
- Climate Resilience: Developing strategies that support rural women in adapting to climate impacts.
- Economic Empowerment: Creating sustainable economic opportunities that uplift rural communities.
- Social Justice: Advocating for gender-responsive policies that promote equity and inclusion.
To ensure that these priorities are not only heard but acted upon, we have outlined a comprehensive set of demands that reflect the aspirations and rights of rural women. These demands are designed to influence global and national agendas, promoting policies that create equitable and sustainable opportunities for rural communities.
📥 Download Our Full List of Demands for CSW69: Click here
Why Attend Our Parallel Event?
By participating in this parallel event, you will:
- Gain insights into the specific challenges and opportunities for rural women.
- Engage with experts and community leaders who are leading innovative initiatives.
- Contribute to policy discussions that will shape the Beijing+30 agenda and beyond.
We invite all stakeholders, allies, and advocates of gender equality to join us at CSW69. Your engagement will help amplify the voices of rural women, ensuring that their perspectives shape global gender policies and initiatives.
For more information, please contact us at saruralwomen@gmail.com.
