On the sidelines of the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), a ministerial interactive session organized by UN Women and the African Union brought together today in New York African ministers responsible for women’s and girls’ rights, along with government representatives and civil society leaders committed to advancing gender equality in Africa and globally.
Sidelines of CSW70 in New York City.This annual gathering provides a strategic platform for dialogue and coordination between African states and their international partners — particularly UN Women — to accelerate progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent.
During the session, participants exchanged views on the progress and remaining challenges of the African feminist agenda and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships among governments, international organizations, regional institutions, and civil society to advance effective public policies.
Discussions will also serve as a catalyst to mobilize African states and their partners around the continent’s candidacy to host the 74th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in 2030, an initiative that would reflect Africa’s growing role in shaping global efforts to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
Several interventions stood out for their clarity and commitment. Among them was that of Lesego Chombo, Botswana’s Minister of Gender, whose inspiring leadership reminds us that vision, responsibility, and the capacity to lead transformation are not defined by age, but by conviction and commitment.
Beyond institutional dialogue, the meeting highlighted a shared conviction: sustainable transformation for African women and girls will require strong leadership, solid alliances, and collective mobilization at every level.
Africa has a voice, solutions, and leadership to bring to the global stage.
This session was a powerful illustration of that reality.
Gratitude to the Executive Director of UN Women, H.E. Ms. Sima Bahous, and to the regional and continental teams of UN Women for their continued commitment and support in advancing policies for the empowerment of African women and girls.
Coumba Bah – MUSOYA
