Full Breakdown
Global Resistance to Gender Justice Under Attack at CSW70
3/13/2026, 2:34:27 AM
Urgent Call for Action at CSW70
During the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which runs from March 9 to 19, 2026, Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the urgent need for collective resistance against global attacks on gender justice and women's rights. Callamard highlighted the challenges faced by women human rights defenders and feminist organizations, many of whom are unable to enter the United States to participate in the conference. She stated, “This year’s Commission on the Status of Women comes at a particularly urgent time, with gender justice under attack across much of the globe.”
Key Issues and Global Backlash
The CSW70 prioritizes ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, addressing discriminatory laws and practices. Callamard pointed out that well-coordinated anti-rights movements, supported by powerful states like the United States and Russia, are attempting to roll back decades of progress in gender equality. She noted that these movements are weaponizing gender to justify repression and are contributing to a climate of fear that limits civic space.
Amnesty International's new briefing, titled “Humanity Must Win: and it does when we stand together for gender justice,” outlines how global resistance against these attacks is gaining momentum. Callamard remarked, “The last year has shown that even when states fail in their duties to deliver, the collective power of communities can still defend, uphold and advance gender justice.”
Notable Examples of Resistance
The briefing highlights various initiatives worldwide, including:
- Afghanistan: Women journalists, such as Zahra Joya of Rukhshana Media, continue to resist Taliban restrictions.
- Burkina Faso: Civil society efforts led to reforms establishing a minimum marriage age of 18.
- China: Feminist activists face repression as authorities label their movement a political threat.
- Malawi: A landmark ruling affirmed a rape survivor's right to a safe abortion, setting a precedent in a country with strict abortion laws.
These examples illustrate the resilience of activists and communities in the face of systemic oppression.
Official Statements and Responses
Agnès Callamard called on UN member states to actively name the forces behind attacks on gender justice and to safeguard accountability mechanisms. She stated, “From the frontlines of communities to the halls of the UN, feminist groups and women human rights defenders continue to resist the backlash against gender justice.” The adoption of Agreed Conclusions at CSW70, despite opposition from the United States and other states, signals a commitment to protecting gender equality standards.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the progress made, the U.S. attempted to amend the Agreed Conclusions, arguing that the text included “controversial” issues. These amendments failed, with only the U.S. supporting them. Critics argue that the loss of consensus is disappointing, yet the adoption of the text is seen as a vital step in safeguarding women's rights amid increasing global backlash.
Conclusion
The CSW70 serves as a critical platform for unified resistance against organized pushback on gender equality norms. As Callamard noted, “While the loss of consensus is disappointing, a weakened text – or no outcome at all – would have sent an especially troubling signal to women and girls.” The ongoing efforts of civil society and grassroots movements are essential in ensuring that hard-won gains in gender justice are protected and advanced.
