The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has elected Saudi Arabia to chair its next session in 2025, which will be the 69th session. The CSW recently organised its 68th meeting between March 11 and March 22.
However, this decision has received criticism from women’s rights advocates because of Saudi Arabia’s notorious treatment of women. Even, Amnesty International criticised the decision.
UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
- Established in 1946, the UN CSW works for women’s empowerment and the promotion of gender equality.
- It works under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is one of the principal organs of the United Nations.
- It oversees the conditions of women living across the globe. It documents their challenges and sets global standards to ensure women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- It also supervises actions regarding the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
- Its headquarters is located in New York, USA.
- India is a member of CSW for the period 2021-2025.
Women’s conditions across the globe
- According to UN Women, 10.3% of women live in extreme poverty globally.
- It underscores the need for 26 times faster actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. SDG-V is about attaining gender equality.
- It estimates an investment of an additional $360 billion every year to accomplish gender equality and women’s empowerment goals.
Indian Government’s initiatives for women’s empowerment
- One Stop Centre Scheme- Launched in 2015 to provide assistance to women affected by violence, including domestic violence.
- Swadhar Greh Scheme- Launched in 2018 to support victims of difficult circumstances with rehabilitation aids to ensure they lead a life of dignity.
- Ujjawala Scheme- Launched in 2016 to prevent trafficking of women for commercial sexual exploitation.
- Working Women Hostel- Launched in 1972-73 to provide safe accommodation for working women.
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)- Launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio and promote education of the girl child.
- Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)- Launched in 2017 to empower rural women through community participation.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)- Launched in 2017 to support pregnant and lactating women with cash transfers.
