The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will bring together global leaders, governments, civil society, youth advocates and UN entities to accelerate progress on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, with a focus on strengthening access to justice.
UNFPA will play a leading role in shaping the global dialogue and advancing evidence-based solutions that ensure women and girls everywhere can exercise their rights, make informed choices about their bodies and futures, and live free from violence and discrimination. For more than five decades, UNFPA has championed the rights and choices of women and girls, grounded in bodily autonomy, human rights and gender equality. UNFPA’s work to eliminate harmful practices, strengthen laws addressing gender-based violence, expand comprehensive sexuality education and support survivor-centred services demonstrates that justice is not abstract – it saves lives.
UNFPA and partners will host a series of side events at the annual session, spotlighting practical solutions, amplifying marginalized voices and catalyzing investment in gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The proceedings of the annual session will be broadcast on UN Web TV.
UNFPA side events include the following:
Signature event
Demographic resilience and access to justice: Securing rights and choices in a changing world
12 March, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. EDT
UN Secretariat, Conference Room 6
This signature side event will explore how societies can adapt to diverse population shifts by prioritizing human rights and gender equality, emphasizing that demographic resilience is built on a foundation of access to justice. It is being organized by UNFPA in partnership with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the governments of North Macedonia, Tunisia and Uruguay. No advanced registration required; please arrive early as space is limited. Webcast here.
Key UNFPA-hosted events
From protection to empowerment: Advancing justice for adolescent girls to end child marriage
10 March, 9:00-11:00 a.m. EDT
Labouisse Hall, UNICEF House, 3 United Nations Plaza
This conversation will focus on strengthening justice systems, empowering adolescent girls and accelerating action to end child marriage. Co-hosted by the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage and the governments of Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Zambia, and partners Girls Not Brides, Equality Now and Zonta International. Register here.
Breaking barriers in business: A policy and practice blueprint for closing the menstrual health gap at work
10 March, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. EDT
UNFPA Headquarters, 730 Third Avenue, New York
This conversation will focus on driving policy and systemic change for menstrual health at work. Co-hosted by UNFPA, Essity, the Permanent Mission of Finland and Shahi Exports. Register here.
Under attack: Gender consequences for health in conflicts
10 March, 1:15-2:30 p.m. EDT
UN Secretariat, Conference Room D
This event will identify practical approaches to support human rights in conflict-affected settings. Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Finland in partnership with UNFPA, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Permanent Missions of Panama and Ukraine. No advanced registration required; please arrive early as space is limited.
Investing in women’s health is everyone’s business: A cross-sector call to action
11 March, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT
UNFPA Headquarters, 730 3rd Avenue, New York
This action-oriented discussion, featuring opening remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita and a high-level representative from the governments of Canada and Kenya, will bring together UN leaders, policymakers, private sector executives, investors, innovators, academics and civil society organizations to examine why investing in women’s health is not only a human rights imperative, but also a strategic economic and business priority. It will be hosted by UNFPA and the government of Canada. Register here.
Together, we can end child marriage
11 March, 2:00-4:00 p.m. EDT, followed by a reception
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York
This side event will offer a dynamic, cross-sector showcase of vision, creativity and commitment to end child marriage and achieve girls’ rights. Co-hosted by the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage with the governments of Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Zambia, and partners Equality Now, Girls Not Brides and Zonta International. Register here by 8 March; space is limited.
Female genital mutilation laws and human rights principles: Ensuring access to justice for all women and girls
13 March, 1:15-2:45 p.m. EDT
UNFPA Headquarters, 730 Third Avenue, New York
This high-level event will focus on strengthening rights-aligned legal frameworks and survivor-centred justice pathways to eliminate female genital mutilation. Organized by UNFPA and UNICEF under the Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, co-hosted by the governments of Burkina Faso and Italy in collaboration with the governments of Canada and Sweden and The Girl Generation: Africa-Led Movement. Register here by 9 March.
Healthy, dignified and prosperous: Older women thriving through better laws, policies and practices
16 March, 1:15-2:45 p.m. ET
UN Secretariat, Conference Room 8
This event will focus on challenges facing older women, including unequal access to pensions, limited land rights, structural barriers to accessing higher education and more. Co-organized by UNFPA, UN Women, the World Bank Group (Human Capital Project and Women, Business and the Law team) and AARP. No advanced registration required; please arrive early as space is limited. Webcast here.
