Consider the following statements regarding the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW):

1. The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

2. It plays a leading role in monitoring and reviewing progress in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 3. 

In News

• The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is currently being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Key Points

• The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and was established by an ECOSOC resolution on June 21, 1946. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• In 1996, ECOSOC expanded the CSW’s mandate, assigning it a leading role in monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Beijing Declaration, adopted by 189 countries, is considered the most comprehensive global framework for gender equality. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Additional Information

• Annual Sessions:
  • The CSW holds a two-week annual session at the UN headquarters, where representatives discuss progress, gaps, and emerging issues affecting gender equality.
  • The session outcomes are forwarded to ECOSOC for follow-up and further action.
• Key Functions of CSW:
  • Promotes women’s and girls’ rights globally.
  • Documents gender disparities and challenges faced by women.
  • Shapes global policies on gender equality.
  • Highlights urgent issues such as violence against women and conflict-related challenges.