Holding the Line on Women’s Rights: What the CSW70 Vote Means
The 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) sends a positive signal in two ways. At the close of the session, a broad coalition of states successfully pushed back against an attempt to narrow the internationally agreed understanding of “gender” to a purely binary definition. A last-minute, unnegotiated resolution introduced by the United States was blocked through a “no action motion” by a clear majority. Earlier in the session, CSW70 had already made history: the Agreed Conclusions were adopted on 9 March 2026 by recorded vote – 37 in favour, 1 against (United States), and 6 abstentions. Prior to this, the Commission had decided to treat the eight amendments introduced by the United States as a package and subsequently reject them collectively. In a forum traditionally oriented toward consensus, this result marks a clear majority in support of women’s rights, gender equality, and multilateral cooperation.
For DSW, this vote sends a clear signal: an overwhelming majority of member states worked constructively toward a robust outcome and rejected attempts to dilute existing standards. Against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, financial pressure on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality, and the growing strength of anti-rights actors, this is more than a negotiating success, it is a measure of how the international community maintains a human-rights-based course under difficult conditions.
Substantively, the adopted text contains several strong elements. It positively reiterates the reference to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and its Programme of Action. The text also addresses sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights and reaffirms strong provisions on combating and preventing gender-based and sexualized violence (SGBV). In addition, we welcome the recognition of the role of technology and digital media in addressing violence against girls and women. Further, the text addresses the importance of adequate and sustainable funding, including flexible and multiannual core funding for civil society organizations, as well as resources for support and justice mechanisms for women and girls.
At the same time, critical gaps remain: the final text does not include the full term “sexual and reproductive health and rights” (SRHR), and references to bodily autonomy are absent. The previously proposed mandate for justice systems to prevent and remedy SRHR violations has also been decoupled from the core theme. Furthermore, “reproductive violence” was not included, nor – despite documented increases – was conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Finally, the specific barriers faced by adolescents are not sufficiently visible. These omissions reduce the transformative potential of the text and increase pressure on follow-up processes in policy and practice.
Against this backdrop, the German statement in New York set an important tone. Federal Minister Karin Prien emphasized that the rights of women and girls are universal, non-negotiable human rights, and that the overwhelming majority of states remain committed to shared obligations. She highlighted three areas for action: protection against SGBV (offline, online, and in conflict), the importance of legal literacy, and inclusive, accessible, and affordable procedures. She explicitly anchored that this also includes access for women and girls to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). At the national level, she referred, among other measures, to a planned law against cyber violence and to the legal entitlement to protection and counselling for women affected by violence and their children. Her key message to the plenary: “Your rights are universal human rights and non-negotiable.”
At the same time, the political context must not be overlooked: anti-rights actors operate transnationally, are well financed, and are increasingly embedded within state structures, enabling them to shape both domestic and foreign policy positions, including within multilateral processes. In parallel, funding for SRHR is under considerable pressure, and the ongoing UN80 reforms carry risks for the implementation of gender equality and particularly SRHR. This complex environment shaped the negotiations and will influence how the Agreed Conclusions are implemented. What is needed are coherent cross-regional alliances, protected and operational spaces for civil society, and reliable, flexible financing—particularly for feminist and youth-led organizations. For DSW, this means concretely, with regard to the Agreed Conclusions:
- Align legal frameworks to be free of discrimination and ensure access to justice for all women and girls.
- Consistently prevent, prosecute, and sanction SGBV; regulate technology-facilitated violence; and ensure sustained funding for survivor-centred, trauma-informed services.
- Treat SRHR violations as violations of rights and establish effective complaint, remedy, and accountability mechanisms.
- Ensure resilient implementation and protect civil society – guaranteeing access to justice mechanisms and services even in humanitarian contexts, as well as safe spaces and flexible, reliable funding.
Against this background, the adoption of the Agreed Conclusions is particularly significant: with a clear majority, the Commission has sent a visible signal in support of women’s rights, access to justice, and the effectiveness of multilateral processes. DSW, together with Countdown 2030 Europe and our partner organizations, will build on this and work to ensure that the reaffirmed standards are anchored politically, financially, and practically so that they become tangible in the everyday lives of all women and girls.
Sources:
United Nations: https://press.un.org/en/2026/wom2249.doc.htmb
Marlene Weck
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