Global Challenges Won't Halt Women's Rights: UN Women

• Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, reiterates commitment to women's rights
• Gave closing remarks at 70th session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
• Asserted that despite challenges worldwide, commitment to women's rights is unwavering

Sima Bahous, UN Women’s Executive Director, reiterated the strong commitment of the UN to advancing Women’s Rights, in the face of global challenges.

Sima, while delivering her closing statement at the 70th CSW at UN Headquarters, expressed confidence that the CSW had sent a clear, emphatic message that the Right to Justice for Women and Girls is Non-Negotiable. "The headwinds are strong; however, the strongest headwind we have is the collective commitment we have to advance Women’s Rights."

Delegates and participants from civil society, for the prior two-weeks, exhibited their energy and determination, and continued to demonstrate passion for Gender Equality in relation to Global Peace, Security and Development.

She stated that for a country to succeed and progress, Women must participate equally in Governance, Peace Processes and Economic Systems. "Without equal access to Justice, Economic Opportunity and a Life Free of Violence, Nations cannot progress,”

Sima thanked Member States and the UN System for their continued support and remarked on the strong and positive impact that their efforts and contributions have had on the CSW's success.

An essential outcome of the meeting finished with a document called the "historic Agreed Conclusions" on women's and girls' access to justice as part of the overall priority agenda of gender equality on a global level.

The meeting also called for the prosecution and punishment of all those who violate the laws to provide trauma care to victims of violence against women. Furthermore, the meeting called for adequate funding to be provided for universal legal aid to ensure access to legal representation for all individuals globally.