Eight (08) members of the GenEgaliteECCAS movement attended the CSW69, with 50% being their first time to attend any of the CSWs. For the two weeks, we participated in at least 100 side/parallel events including speaking and reading of statements in numerous of these events. It is estimated that the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) brought together more than 13,000 participants including 186 countries, high-level government representatives, and a record number of civil society actors to reaffirm the global commitment to gender equality. While such numbers may seem huge, there is no doubt that less than 10% were African women especially those from the central Africa subregion.
Ms Paulette Metang, 68, a Beijing Veteran who attended Beijing 30 years ago shared her experience during a side event titled ‘Years of Her Life – Gender-Responsive Social Protection Across the Life Course’, an event co-hosted by HelpAge, UNICEF and SPIAC-B members. Ma Paulette raised the issue of visibility and recognition of elder women’s rights, perspectives and experiences in the CSW revitalisation processes. Recollecting her journey to Beijing and how though there have been some significant milestones achieved in terms of advancing women’s rights across the subregion, notably around education, women and girls continue to still face gross discrimination and marginalisation across all the 12 critical points of the Beijing declaration.
Ms Ndefon Beatrice, 50, a Cameroonian feminist peacebuilder & Executive Director of Solidarity Health Foundation, said: Attending CSW in the United Nations Headquarters in New York annually is a right not a privilege and every woman should have this entitlement. In a parallel event on the peace manual, co-sponsored by SNWOT, a coalition of women leaders & women-led organizations across the conflict affected areas of Cameroon that seeks to contribute significantly in resolving the conflict in the NWSW Regions of Cameroon as well as ensure women’s meaningful participation in decision making processes at all levels; Ms. Ndefon urged every woman to take the moment to celebrate our collective achievements since Beijing towards advancing women’s rights and gender justice. And demand that at such a crucial moment when conflict is raging across Africa, considering the critical role of women in peace and security efforts is paramount. Women’s meaningful involvement in peacebuilding processes is not an option but necessary.
Ms Evangelina Nguema Ayaga, 37, Equatorial Guinea, is the Vice President of Mujer ideal Organization. Her key takeaway was the unanimous consensus of the adoption of the political declaration which reinforced the principle that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are not optional—they are essential for peace, security, and sustainable development. Yet, the real test lies ahead: ensuring these commitments move beyond statements and into tangible, transformative action. Now more than ever, the world must turn promises into progress with urgency, with accountability, and with the full participation of women and girls in every sphere of life.
Ms. Ache, 41, Chad, said: Attending CSW69 for the first time felt inspiring and empowering as I connected with sisters faced with similar realities. It is indeed a reminder of our commonality despites our differences in terms of race, geography, age, beliefs etc.
Ms. Mercy Njilli, 24, Cameroon: At CSW69, I could fell that collective solidarity, for women by women. A reminder of a critical moment for collective reflections and renewed commitment. To Njilli, CSW69 did not only emphasize the urgent need to accelerate progress but also demonstrated the power of global solidarity, especially in the face of increasing social, political, and humanitarian challenges. Her call for action is that, as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, 25 years of UNSCR 1325, and just 5 years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, it is important to remember the continuous challenge faced by adolescent girls and young women as well as how they are innovating and finding long lasting solutions for global issues.
Dr. Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh, 40, reflects: In my role as NGOCSW francophone Africa co-chair as well as a member of the WRC, this year’s CSW offers us opportunities for more strategic advocacies and actions especially with the global rollbacks on gains achieved over the years for gender equality. Now more than ever, when Women’s human rights defenders (WHRDs) continue to being targeted alongside their organisations, with many forced to close. These are not just coincidence but a well-coordinated planned endeavours by the anti-human rights and gender justice movements. This therefore calls for more urgent and stronger push and resistance from us all. 30 years might seem a long time but that cannot equate to time needed to shift mindsets and behaviours. We must not relax as the battle is still far from being won.
