The UN Women Summit, or the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), took place in New York last March 2025. Global agreements to promote gender equality were negotiated. Atria and WO=MEN attended this together with other civil society organisations and a Dutch government delegation. How did the negotiations go, what were the outcomes and how to proceed?
The UN Women Summit, or the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), took place in New York last March 2025. Global agreements to promote gender equality were negotiated. Atria and WO=MEN attended this together with other civil society organisations and a Dutch government delegation. How did the negotiations go, what were the outcomes and how to proceed?
Political shift and the anti-gender movement
Around the world, the rise of far-right ideologies, anti-gender rhetoric and shrinking civic space has made it harder to reach consensus on basic human rights and gender equality issues. At the UN Women Summit, these tensions were visible in the negotiations. Some countries that previously supported progressive language were reluctant this year. It was therefore not easy to reach agreement.
The political declaration that was finally adopted is the result of many hours of negotiations and compromises. The declaration includes the global commitment to continue working for gender equality, but also reflects the difficulties of maintaining unity.
Outcomes CSW are double
The outcome of the negotiations was recorded in a Political Declaration. Britt Myren, senior researcher at Atria, analysed the political declaration. The declaration shows both existing progress and strong opposing forces in the pursuit of gender equality. The fact that consensus was reached at all is seen as a significant achievement - especially in a global context where even the word 'gender' has become controversial.
Progress made
There is stronger recognition of marginalised groups, including:
Indigenous women
Women with disabilities
Women in conflict areas
Refugees
Missed opportunities and setbacks:
No mention of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
No reference to the concept of intersectionality
Climate change is only vaguely mentioned
Attenuations in language use
Role of the Netherlands
The Dutch delegation got many of its priorities included in the statement
This success cannot be taken for granted and required strategic diplomatic work
The Netherlands is one of 189 member states committed to the declaration, which means civil society organisations, such as Atria, can advise and hold the government accountable for following the recommendations.
Debriefing meeting
Civil society organisations and members of the Dutch government delegation, including NGO representative Quirine Lengkeek and youth representative Fenna Timsi, met in The Hague after the UN Women Summit. During a debriefing meeting, they reflected on the outcomes of the CSW69.
Looking ahead cautiously
Although the Netherlands saw many of its priorities included, the difficult negotiation process shows how fragile global consensus is. Despite tensions, the declaration is stronger than expected. However, there are concerns about the future. With the US now a member of the CSW and the political climate polarising, many fear that future decisions will be reached through voting rather than consensus. This could complicate cooperation and lead to greater divisions.
The Dutch government and civil society including Atria, trade union FNV Mondiaal and platforms such as WO=MEN should continue to work together. These networks are essential to hold governments accountable and push the agenda forward.
