ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
ATTENTION: JOURNALISTS AND NEWS EDITORS
SUNDAY: 22 MARCH 2026
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
SOUTH AFRICA’S PARTICIPATION AT THE 70TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW70)
PRETORIA: South Africa concludes its participation at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) with a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through strong multilateral cooperation and decisive national action.
Led by the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, South Africa joined the global community under the auspices of the United Nations to review progress,
share best practices, and strengthen collective action to accelerate gender equality. During the session, South Africa reaffirmed the enduring importance of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a global framework for advancing women’s rights and achieving substantive equality for women and girls.
South Africa used the CSW70 platform to highlight several key priorities:
First, the country called for strengthened multilateral cooperation to address persistent gender inequalities and ensure that global commitments translate into meaningful change in the lives of women and girls.
Second, South Africa emphasised the urgent need to advance access to justice for all women and girls, including the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices that undermine gender equality and limit women’s participation in society.
Third, the delegation emphasised the importance of addressing structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full economic, political, and social participation. This includes tackling gender-based violence, promoting women’s leadership, and ensuring equal access to economic opportunities.
Fourth, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of women from the Global South are reflected in global decision-making processes. During CSW70, South Africa was appointed to serve in the CSW70 communication work group of the 70th session, a significant milestone that reinforces the country’s growing leadership in advancing global gender equality.
South Africa, as the Interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), also presented a Resolution on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS on behalf of the 16 Member
States of SADC for adoption. The Resolution was adopted with consensus during the closing session of CSW70.
Importantly, as the country concludes its participation at CSW70, South Africa reiterates its commitment to translating global commitments into concrete national programmes that advance the
rights, dignity and empowerment of all women and girls. South Africa remains steadfast in its conviction that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital foundation for
a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
The country will continue to collaborate with the international community to ensure that the outcomes of CSW70 make a meaningful contribution to the global and domestic efforts to build inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive.
–ENDS–
Issued by: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Media Enquiries: Mr Cassius Selala: 060 534 0672: Department of Women, Youth and Persons
with Disabilities, Head of Communication.