IRC at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69)

IRC at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69)

Opening Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). (Photo Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elías)  

During the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York, the Governments of Uganda and Sweden, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), organized a side event titled ‘Women and Girls in Crisis – The Promise and Essential Actions of Beijing+30.’ The side event, held on the 12th  of March 2025 at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations, brought together delegates from member states, humanitarian responders, CSOs, donors, and development partners working to ensure essential rights and services for women and girls in humanitarian settings.

The event was opened by the Third Deputy Prime Minister for Uganda, Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama. In her remarks she noted that Uganda has been a refuge for many displaced persons from neighboring countries and has learned invaluable lessons about the importance of integrating gender equality into all aspects of humanitarian response. 

“We have worked diligently to ensure that our national response plans reflect the specific needs of women and girls in crises, and we are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard in all decision-making processes, from policy to practice.” Rt. Hon Nakadama said.

The side event focused on several critical issues including gender empowerment, the care economy, and maternal and child health in humanitarian settings. The discussion focused on strategies to empower women and girls in crisis, the need to address the economic contributions of caregiving, which is often overlooked in the humanitarian contexts, and ensuring continuous provision of health services for mothers and children in crisis settings.

The event had distinguished panelists including Dr. Angela Nakafeero, the Commissioner of Gender and Women Affairs at the Uganda Ministry of Gender, Mr. Ciaran Donnelly, Senior Vice President of CRRD at IRC, Ms. Anna Wrange, the Deputy Director at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Mariéad Butler, the Plan International Ireland’s Youth Advisory Panel member. Other key speakers were: Barri Shorey, Senior Program Officer, Refugees Initiative and Disaster Program at Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Gloria Soma, the Executive Director of Titi Foundation, and Manuel Contreas Urbina, Global Lead on Gender-Based Violence at the World Bank.

Panelists at the CSW event: From the left Dr. Angela Nakafeero, the Commissioner of Gender and Women Affairs at the Uganda Ministry of Gender; Ms. Mariéad Butler, the Plan International Ireland’s Youth Advisory Panel member, Mr. Ciaran Donnelly, Senior Vice President of CRRD at IRC, and Ms. Anna Wrange, the Deputy Director at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From the right: Some of the participants at the CSW69 side event at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the UN   

The government of Uganda shared the progress made by putting in place the legal and policy framework that creates an enabling environment for refugees and asylum seekers. Sweden, on the other hand, showcased its funding for several interventions that promote the rights of women and girls in the humanitarian setting. The two governments reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting and promoting the rights of women and girls.

IRC works across multiple aspects of humanitarian response, including prevention and response to Gender Based Violence, Early Childhood Development and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. One of the innovative interventions by IRC in Uganda which was shared at the CSW69 is the ‘Kulea Watoto’ Initiative, which targets 6501 primary caregivers (predominantly women) and their children. It has reached their households with a two-generation approach where they receive both livelihood and early childhood development interventions. 

A key takeaway from CSW69 is that women empowerment and financial inclusion are very crucial in achieving gender equality. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the CSW69 serves as a reminder of the ongoing obstacles that women face and the need for commitment to gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, especially those in the crisis settings.