Commission on the Status of Women

The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council that is dedicated to evaluating progress on gender equality, identifying challenges, setting global standards and formulating concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. It makes recommendations and reports to the Council on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields. It also reviews and appraises progress made on achieving these objectives at the regional, national and global levels.

54th Session of CSW
In 1995 the Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing by the United Nations. Next year will mark the 15 anniversary of the conference, which produced the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action. These documents represent the message of the conference, women’s empowerment and gender equality, and established 12 areas of concern which governments would aim to improve.

The United Nations General Assembly will be reviewing the progress made by governments in achieving the goals laid out in the Platform for Action.

CSW Topics from 2011 - 2014
For the 55th session in 2011: Women and girls in science and technologies: increasing opportunities in education, research and employment. Review theme: agreed conclusions from the 2007 session on the "Elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against the girl child."

For the 56th session in 2012: The empowerment of rural women, in relation to climate change and food security. Review theme: the agreed conclusions from the 2008 session on "Financing for gender equality and empowerment of women."

For the 57th session in 2013: Addressing stereotypes which constrain the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women, including in decision-making. Review theme: the agreed conclusions from the 2009 session on "The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including care-giving in the context of HIV/AIDS."

For the 58th session in 2014: Prevention of violence against women and girls. Review theme: the agreed conclusions from the 2011 session, "Women and girls in science and technology: Increasing opportunities in education, research and employment."

For more information on the Commission on the Status of Women, please see the resources below

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Factsheet

Learn more about the Commission on the Status of Women and its role within the United Nations System.(37350 KB)

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