The foundational principles of the United Nations Charter—specifically the "equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small"—face a period of unprecedented turbulence. As global leaders, activists, and civil society prepare for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the international community finds itself at a critical crossroads. The landscape for gender equality is currently defined by a tightening of civic spaces, the withdrawal of essential funding, and an increasingly vocal, unashamed pushback against the progress made over the last several decades. For millions of women across the globe, the promise of the law remains an unfulfilled hope; for many, the legal system is either an instrument of discrimination or a luxury reserved for a privileged few.
Despite these daunting challenges, the core message heading into CSW70 remains resolute: access to justice is not merely a goal but a non-negotiable human right. Justice is the invisible scaffolding that supports the integrity of every society. When justice is functioning, it fosters good governance, ensures lasting peace, and secures sustainable development. It is the bedrock of social cohesion. However, as new data from UN Women illustrates, the world is currently falling tragically short of providing this essential framework to half of its population.
The statistical reality of gender inequality in the 21st century is sobering. Globally, women hold only 64 percent of the legal rights afforded to men. Perhaps most startling is the fact that not a single country on Earth has achieved full legal equality between the sexes. This systemic failure manifests in the most fundamental aspects of physical and economic security. In 54 percent of countries, the legal definition of rape is still not based on the principle of consent, leaving survivors without a clear path to accountability. Furthermore, 44 percent of nations lack legislation that mandates equal pay for equal work, effectively institutionalizing an economic disadvantage for women in the workforce.
The vulnerability of girls is also a primary concern, as three-quarters of the world’s nations still permit child marriage under various circumstances. This practice, which predominantly impacts young girls, truncates their education, endangers their health, and limits their lifelong economic potential. The denial of justice becomes even more acute in regions plagued by instability. Currently, more than 676 million women and girls live within 50 kilometers of active conflict zones. In these areas, the breakdown of the rule of law has led to a horrific 87 percent increase in conflict-related sexual violence in just the last two years. In these contexts, international humanitarian and human rights laws are frequently ignored, leaving justice feeling like a distant, unreachable mirage for those who need it most.
Upholding international law and the rules-based institutions of the UN is not just a matter of diplomacy; it is the fundamental requirement for multilateralism to function. For women and girls, these institutions represent the last line of defense against impunity. This is why the upcoming CSW70 is being framed as a session dedicated specifically to those who have been systematically denied their day in court. It is an acknowledgment that without a robust focus on accountability, the broader goals of gender equality will remain out of reach.
History, however, provides a powerful blueprint for what can be achieved when legal reform is prioritized. Since 1970, more than 600 million women have gained access to transformative economic opportunities as a direct result of family law reforms. When laws are changed to criminalize domestic violence and sexual harassment, the ripple effects are felt throughout society. Effective legal protections enable women to participate more fully in the workforce, seek higher education, and engage in public life without the constant shadow of fear. The data is clear: when women and girls have access to justice, they thrive. And when they thrive, entire national economies and social structures become more resilient and prosperous.
The solutions to these systemic issues are known, but they require political will and financial investment to scale. A central pillar of the strategy moving forward involves empowering women’s rights organizations. these groups serve as the vital link between high-level global policy and local implementation. They are the ones challenging discriminatory social norms on the ground, utilizing strategic litigation to force systemic accountability, and providing daily support to survivors. Yet, in a bitter irony, at a time when these organizations are most needed, they are often the least supported. Many are facing funding cuts and political suppression, undermining the very movement that drives legislative progress.
CSW70 represents a unique opportunity to pivot toward a more aggressive investment in justice. The session aims to advance transformative legal reforms that go beyond surface-level changes to address the root causes of inequality. This includes strengthening coordination between different branches of government, prioritizing prevention strategies, and ensuring that justice systems are designed to serve women rather than exclude them. It is also a moment to recognize justice as a "public good," requiring the same level of resource allocation as healthcare or education.
Technological innovation is expected to play a major role in this new era of justice. The "digital justice" movement aims to use technology to make legal systems more accessible, transparent, and efficient. By strengthening data collection and evidence-gathering through digital tools, advocates can better track the implementation of laws and identify where the system is failing. This evidence-based approach is crucial for convincing skeptical governments and stakeholders of the necessity of reform.
The Commission on the Status of Women has long been a beacon of multilateralism, a space where the energy and creativity of member states, civil society, and the private sector converge. This year’s theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls," reflects a shift from rhetoric to results. The goal is to combine the capabilities of the UN system with the passion of the global feminist movement to "move the needle" on access to justice.
As the world looks toward International Women’s Day this March, the focus will be on celebrating the feminist voices that have remained at the forefront of the justice struggle. These activists and lawyers are the ones who refuse to accept the status quo, even in the face of significant regression. The momentum of this collective movement is viewed as the strongest possible counterweight to the "pushback" currently seen in global politics.
The upcoming discussions at CSW70 are not just about debating policy; they are about securing a future where the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of gender. The partnership between UN Women and global stakeholders remains steadfast in the pursuit of a world where impunity no longer reigns. Through a combination of legislative reform, grassroots support, and technological advancement, the objective is to ensure that the "equal rights" promised by the UN Charter nearly 80 years ago finally become a lived reality for every woman and girl.
The road to full legal equality may be long, and the current obstacles are significant, but the history of the movement suggests that change is possible. By focusing on justice as the essential framework for all aspects of life, CSW70 seeks to build a world where lasting peace, security, and sustainable development are not just aspirations, but the guaranteed outcomes of a fair and equitable legal system. The global community now faces the task of turning this vision into action, ensuring that no woman is left to face the world without the protection and empowerment that only true justice can provide.
