By Adeleye Gbenga
As the pioneer of Positive Women Empowerment (PWE) Olutola Animashaun and an advocate committed to advancing the rights and dignity of women and girls, I and my team have the honour of participating in the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held from March 9 to 19, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters.
The session was convened under the auspices of the United Nations, in collaboration with key global institutions such as UN Women and ECOSOC, alongside a strong network of civil society and partner organizations including Betneely Charity Foundation, Women of Worth, Africa Missions Global, National Council of Women Societies, Women in Energy Network, and other advocacy groups dedicated to advancing gender equality and strengthening access to justice for women and girls globally.
The annual gathering brought together global leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and grassroots advocates from across the world. It served as a critical platform to address pressing gender issues, with this year’s priority theme centered on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls.
Day One set a powerful and purposeful tone.
The morning commenced with a high-level observance of International Women’s Day at the General Assembly Hall, an atmosphere charged with reflection, urgency, and renewed global commitment. This was followed by the official opening session, where the Secretary-General, alongside key civil society leaders, delivered compelling addresses highlighting the persistent legal and systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s access to justice worldwide.
As the day progressed, discussions transitioned into a Ministerial Segment, where government representatives engaged in critical dialogue on national policy reforms aimed at closing justice gaps and strengthening legal frameworks. At the same time, a vibrant Youth Forum convened over 200 young activists, whose voices and perspectives brought fresh urgency to conversations around systemic justice, inclusion, and accountability.
From the very first day, it became evident that CSW70 was not merely a convening of global stakeholders, but a call to action, one that demands intentional collaboration, bold policy shifts, and sustained advocacy to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.
Beyond the opening engagements of Day One, the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women was shaped by critical global reflections and forward-looking commitments.
At the heart of the session were the Agreed Conclusions: a set of policy commitments adopted by Member States to strengthen legal frameworks, eliminate discriminatory laws, and improve access to justice for women and girls across diverse contexts. These outcomes reaffirmed the role of the United Nations as a driver of global accountability and coordinated action.
Importantly, discussions throughout the conference emphasized that access to justice goes beyond courtrooms. It is closely tied to economic empowerment, social protection, and the ability of women to live free from violence and discrimination. There was also a notable shift toward more inclusive conversations, recognizing the need to address the realities of marginalized groups whose access to justice remains limited.
At a time when gender equality efforts face increasing global challenges, CSW70 served as both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to action, urging governments, institutions, and advocates to move from commitment to implementation.
Day Two of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) was both engaging and inspiring for the Positive Women Empowerment (PWE) team.
Building on the momentum of the opening day, our delegates actively participated in a series of high-level conferences and interactive sessions centered on advancing gender equality and strengthening the empowerment of women and girls globally. These engagements provided not only valuable insights, but also created space for meaningful dialogue, amplifying diverse perspectives and shared experiences from across regions.
Beyond the formal sessions, Day Two offered significant opportunities for connection and collaboration. The PWE team engaged with women leaders, advocates, and fellow delegates from around the world, fostering relationships that are essential for sustained impact. These interactions further reinforced the importance of collective action and global partnerships in driving meaningful change.
The day also carried moments of unity and shared purpose, as delegates gathered to capture memories and celebrate a common vision, one rooted in justice, equality, and opportunity for all women and girls.
As the conversations deepened, so did our commitment. We look forward to building on these engagements and advancing impactful collaborations in the days ahead at CSW70.
Side Events & Parallel Sessions Engaging in Focused Discussions and Side Events
The PWE team actively participated in focused side events and parallel sessions, engaging in discussions on key issues such as women’s empowerment, leadership, and access to justice. Many of these sessions were hosted and coordinated by leading organizations and partners, including Betneely Charity Foundation, Women in Energy Network, YouthHub Africa, and other global institutions working at the forefront of women’s empowerment and justice advocacy. These sessions provided opportunities to share experiences, learn from global advocates, and explore practical strategies to strengthen women’s rights and opportunities.
Knowledge Exchange and Learning Gaining Insights and Sharing Experiences
The PWE team embraced opportunities for knowledge exchange, learning from the diverse experiences of women leaders and advocates from around the world. Through these sessions, we gained fresh insights, explored innovative approaches to empowerment, and reflected on strategies that can be adapted to enhance our work back home.
Collaboration and Partnerships Building Connections and Global Partnerships
The PWE team focused on forging meaningful connections with women leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the globe. These interactions strengthened partnerships, fostered collaboration, and highlighted the power of collective action in advancing women’s empowerment and creating lasting impact in our communities.
In the days that followed, the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held under the theme “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” continued with intensive discussions and high-level engagements. Delegates explored strategies to eliminate discriminatory laws, strengthen inclusive legal systems, and address structural barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing justice. The sessions highlighted both global achievements and persistent gaps, reinforcing the urgent need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and grassroots advocates.
By the conclusion of the conference, participants had adopted a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at advancing women’s rights, promoting accountability, and translating dialogue into tangible actions at national and community levels. The outcomes underscored the importance of sustained advocacy, continued policy reform, and the creation of safe, inclusive spaces for women everywhere.
The success of CSW70 further highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, with international bodies such as the United Nations and UN Women, alongside grassroots organizations and advocacy groups across the globe, working together to drive sustainable change and strengthen access to justice for women and girls.
On returning to the UK, I organised a CSW70 catch-up for women who were unable to attend the face-to-face conference, held on March 21 at GOTON HUB, 27 Garrett Way, Manchester, ensuring that the insights, inspiration, and commitments from CSW70 reached a wider community and could be put into action locally.
CSW70 reminded us that progress for women and girls is possible when voices are amplified.
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