CSW66 Opening Session
Written by: Salomé Abittan-Tenenbaum and Mako Mori
The 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) took place from March 14 to 25, 2022 in hybrid form (online and in-person). The CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The theme of this year's commission was "Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs."
On March 14, at the Opening Session CSW66, the United Nations reinforced its commitment to gender-responsive approaches to addressing climate issues. It was a powerful moment to celebrate the newly achieved parity within the UN, but also to remember that the fight has only just begun. This women's representation was felt in the quality of the speakers and delegates present that day, starting with Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of South Africa and Chair of the Commission, and H.E. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.
The discourse converged on several points:
Today, the world is experiencing rising temperatures, environmental degradation, and natural disasters, but not everyone is equally vulnerable. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, while reinforcing his commitment to put women's rights at the center of UN policies: "Everywhere, women and girls face the greatest threats and the deepest harm and they are taking action to confront the climate and environmental crises, yet they continue to be largely excluded from the rooms where decisions are taken." This shows us that ensuring a just transition to a green, sustainable future also requires that the UN puts women at the heart of decision-making.
The speakers also recalled the special attention that must be given to indigenous women, women in rural situations and refugee women. Youth representative and co-leader of the Generation Equality Action Coalition for Feminist Action for Climate Justice, Joanita Babirye, spoke from experience, as families and farmers in her hometown of Jinja, Uganda have been displaced due to severe climate. Her voice represented the youth, civil society and especially the marginalized communities that depend on endangered natural spaces.
Many also recall that the COVID-19 pandemic may have reinforced this situation of inequality. Others, like the French delegate on behalf of Europe, Elisabeth Moreno, assure their support to women victims of the war, especially in Ukraine at the moment.
A general consensus among the Committee was the known fact that women are at the heart of the fight for the environment, as their nature is to nurture and uplift their families and communities. In the general discussion, Valentin Rybakov (Belarus), speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Family, reminded us that the decision we make now, is what the future generation will learn from. He says “Family members instill in their children respect and caring attitude towards nature and form their responsible environmental behaviour from an early age.”
Abdulla Shahid (Maldives), President of the General Assembly also validated the strength of women’s voices, saying that women are “still a largely untapped resource.” WFWP also believes in the power of women and works to uplift women’s voices, whether that is through webinars or hosting workshops to allow a platform for them to share their best practices. Women’s strength lies in their ability to think beyond the individual, and make decisions on what’s best for the whole.
All members of the committee came to general agreement that this is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort to put women at the heart of leadership, empowering them through education and economic assistance. The Opening Session ends on a hopeful note, ready to take action and make effective decisions.
