India Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Equality at UN’s 69th Commission on the Status of Women

New York: A delegation from the Government of India, led by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, participated in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The global conference, which began on March 10, 2025, is dedicated to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Delivering India’s national statement at the Ministerial Forum, Annpurna Devi highlighted India’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing gender disparities across 12 critical areas of concern. She underscored the transformative impact of flagship government schemes that have significantly enhanced health, nutrition, education, and economic opportunities for women and children in the country.

Participating in the Ministerial Round Table discussions, the Union Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action, emphasizing the importance of national mechanisms in accelerating gender equality and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed the need for strengthened outreach to ensure that every woman and girl in India can fully access their rights and entitlements.

“The welfare of women and children is at the core of our nation’s progress. Through a multi-pronged approach, we are working towards a future where every woman is empowered, and every child is nurtured in a safe and supportive environment,”  Annpurna Devi stated.

The CSW session witnessed participation from UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, philanthropists, academia, civil society, and UN agencies. The Minister also engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders from Sierra Leone, Uzbekistan, Guyana, and Chile, including discussions with Melrose Karminty, Sodyq S. Safoev, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Antonia Orellana Guarello, to enhance cooperation on gender equality and social welfare.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the leading intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It functions under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with its 69th session running from March 10 to March 21, 2025.