Minister for Gender Equality attends UN Commission on the Status of Women session in New York

Sweden is attending the CSW to be a clear and constructive voice for the human rights of women and girls. In an increasingly challenging global environment, it is crucial to share experience, highlight evidence-based policy and demonstrate that gender equality is a prerequisite for growth, competitiveness, security and prosperity throughout society.

“Globally, Sweden must be a strong voice on gender equality. We will work hard to demonstrate how gender equality contributes to increased growth, competitiveness and prosperity for the benefit of everyone in society,” says Ms Larsson. 

This year, the Swedish delegation consists of around 30 people, including members of the Riksdag, representatives from the Government Offices, government agencies and civil society. For the first time, the Swedish Armed Forces will attend the session, as will the non-profit organisation Women in Tech Sweden. 

“Gender equality in the Armed Forces is a central part of how long-term peace, security and resilience can be built,” continues Ms Larsson.

Highlighting the influence of digital norms

Sweden is arranging several side events to highlight issues of central importance to national and international gender equality work. The topics covered will include the influence of digital norms on gender equality and justice, gender equality as an economic strategy, and civil preparedness in Ukraine. They will also cover themes such as the digital dimension of men’s violence against women and commercial sexual exploitation. The Swedish delegation will devote particular attention to highlighting the need to strengthen both policy developments and competencies in the legal system regarding digital issues.

Joint Nordic messaging

The Nordic countries are taking part in the session with a shared message: ‘Pushing for progress’, emphasising the importance of safeguarding previous progress, pushing back against regression and continuing the work to strengthen gender equality globally at a time of growing global resistance to gender equality, the rights of women and girls, and equal rights and opportunities for LGBTQI people.

The theme of the meeting

The priority theme for the meeting this year is about: "Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers". The focus area of the meeting addresses the subjects of achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all older women.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will take place on 9–19 March and the minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson is attending the first week of the session. 

This web page will be updated on an ongoing basis during the meeting.