Global focus on access to justice defines CSW70 agenda

Global focus on access to justice defines CSW70 agenda | Photo: Wilhelm Gunkel

The forthcoming 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), scheduled for 9–19 March 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, is set to become a defining moment in the advancement of global gender equality. As the primary intergovernmental platform dedicated to promoting women’s rights, the session will concentrate on the intersection of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Access to justice as the central theme

This year’s priority theme, Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, reflects an urgent global concern: that too many women remain excluded from fair, transparent and effective legal systems. Across various regions, complex legal and institutional barriers continue to prevent equal participation in justice processes. According to the World Justice Project, only 47% of countries have fully implemented gender-responsive legal frameworks, illustrating the scale of reform still needed.

The session aims to encourage legal and institutional reform, focusing on inclusive systems that guarantee equality before the law. Delegates will also discuss eliminating discriminatory policies and practices, alongside removing the systemic barriers—social, structural and financial—that hinder women’s use of justice systems.

Leadership, literacy and survivor-centred innovation

A critical component of CSW70 will be promoting women’s leadership in the judiciary. Research shows that judicial diversity enhances fairness and fosters gender-sensitive decision-making. Likewise, legal literacy will take centre stage, strengthening women’s awareness of their rights and the remedies available to them.

Another key focus area is survivor-centred justice, exploring community-led and digital innovations designed to improve responses to gender-based violence (GBV). This approach marks a shift from punitive to supportive frameworks, aiming to empower survivors while ensuring accountability.

Measuring progress and setting future direction

In addition to the priority theme, CSW70 will review progress on the commitments made during its 65th session, particularly concerning women’s participation in public life and the elimination of violence. The discussions will culminate in the Agreed Conclusions, a policy document negotiated by all Member States, setting a shared direction for future gender equality strategies.

Regional preparation and global collaboration

Regional preparatory meetings have been essential in shaping the global agenda ahead of March 2026. The Asia-Pacific meeting in Bangkok on 29–30 January will refine regional strategies, while earlier consultations in Central Asia and Azerbaijan established joint priorities for strengthening access to justice. These regional dialogues ensure that diverse legal and cultural perspectives contribute to the final recommendations.

As the global community prepares for CSW70, the session underscores a collective resolve to transform justice systems into engines of equality. Expanding access to justice for women and girls is not only a legal imperative but a cornerstone of sustainable, peaceful societies.

For further information on related initiatives, readers can explore SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.