As a member of NFBPWC:You can attend CSW70 whether in person or virtually. You can develop and present a program at CSW70.

Each March, thousands of advocates, diplomats, and changemakers gather at the United Nations—both in New York City and online—for one of the most powerful events in the world focused on gender equality: the Commission on the Status of Women, or CSW.

If you’ve never heard of CSW or only associate the United Nations with one event per year, you’re not alone.

Many of our members equate the UN’s work solely with CSW. While CSW is a key event for women worldwide, it represents one part of a much broader system of global diplomacy and sustainable development—one that includes entities like ECOSOC, UNESCO, and regional partnerships such as the Organization of American States (OAS).

What Is CSW?

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1946 as a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It remains the only global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Each year, CSW convenes to:

• Evaluate progress on gender equality and women’s rights
• Identify challenges and emerging issues
• Develop global policy recommendations
• Foster connections between governments, NGOs, and civil society

And while the UN's official meetings are crucial to shaping high-level policy, much of CSW’s energy and impact comes from its interactive events and community engagement.

Three Types of CSW Events

If you’re attending or participating for the first time, it’s helpful to understand the three main categories of events at CSW:

1.  Official UN Events

These are hosted by the UN and Member States and include:

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies
• Ministerial Roundtables
• General Discussions
• Agreed Conclusions negotiations

These sessions focus on policymaking and diplomacy and are usually limited to government delegations and accredited observers.

2.  Side Events

These are sponsored by UN Member States or UN agencies and are centered on themes aligned with CSW’s annual focus. Side events may:

• Highlight national or regional achievements
• Showcase new reports or research
• Discuss innovative strategies

Some are open to the public (especially virtually), while others require invitations.

3.  Parallel Events (NGO Forum)

This is where NFBPWC members can shine. Parallel events are hosted by NGOs and civil society organizations and are open to global audiences. Topics are diverse and grassroots-oriented, including:

• Women in leadership
• Gender and climate change
• Access to education and healthcare
• Stories of impact from the field

BPW International, through which NFBPWC is connected, holds General Consultative Status with ECOSOC, giving us the opportunity to host, present, and participate.

Why Should You Participate?

Attending CSW—whether in person or virtually—can be transformative. It’s a chance to:

• Learn from global experts and peers
• Share your story or your organization’s work
• Get inspired to lead change locally
• Contribute to international conversations on women’s rights

For NFBPWC members, this is more than just an event. It’s a platform to connect global policy to local action, and to demonstrate the power of women working together across borders.

Looking Ahead to CSW70

The 70th Session of CSW (CSW70) is set for March 9 – 20, 2026, and we are already preparing. This year, our committee’s objectives are:

1. Educate members about CSW—how it works, how it connects to the larger UN framework, and what role we play.
2. Encourage member engagement—through virtual attendance, delegation involvement, and proposing parallel events.

Each monthly article and future meetings planned will help you build knowledge and confidence—so when CSW70 arrives, you’ll know how to step forward and participate with purpose.

Want to Learn More?

Explore these two resources to dive deeper into CSW: 

CSW Official Page

NGO CSW/NY – Parallel Events & Resources

Brief History of Commission on Status of Women

To participate with the CSW Committee and learn more – contact csw@nfbpwc.org or President Barbara Bozeman via president@nfbpwc.org

As we observe Military Appreciation Month, we proudly recognize the contributions of women in the armed forces — women who embody the strength, resilience, and leadership that the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) champions every day.

From breaking barriers in uniform to advocating for equality after service, military women exemplify the spirit of CSW’s mission: empowerment, equity, and global impact.

This May let’s not only thank them for their service — let’s uplift their voices in the fight for gender justice.