EESC President

On the occasion of the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) reaffirm their unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As the international community marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, the EESC and AU ECOSOCC acknowledge both the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges that continue to hinder full gender equality. In their second consecutive joint declaration, the two institutions call for urgent action to accelerate progress in key areas, including women’s representation in governance, the eradication of gender-based violence and the advancement of women’s economic and digital inclusion.

The EESC President, Oliver Röpke, said: ‘As we commemorate 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, we must turn words into action. Gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and its achievement is critical for sustainable and inclusive societies. The EESC stands firm in its commitment to breaking barriers, ensuring women’s full participation in decision-making and fostering economic empowerment. Now is the time for governments, institutions and civil society to act decisively – there is no equality without accountability.’

Key priorities and calls to action

• Advancing women’s leadership

  The EESC and AU ECOSOCC urge governments, political parties and institutions to implement gender-responsive electoral mechanisms such as gender quotas and co-chairing arrangements to ensure women’s equal participation in decision-making.

• Ending gender-based violence

  With gender-based violence remaining a global crisis, the joint declaration calls for the ratification and full implementation of ILO Convention 190, the Istanbul Convention and the newly adopted AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG). It also stresses the importance of survivor-centred national action plans with adequate funding.

• Bridging the digital gender divide

  To foster greater inclusion in the digital economy, the EESC and AU ECOSOCC advocate increased investment in digital skills training, affordable internet access and the integration of gender-sensitive approaches in AI and technology development.

• Women’s economic empowerment and the Just Transition

  Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change and economic disparities on women, the declaration highlights the need for gender-responsive budgeting, equal pay policies and targeted support for women-led enterprises, particularly in the context of the green transition.

• Recognising unpaid care work

  The EESC and AU ECOSOCC emphasise the need for comprehensive care policies that support work-life balance and recognise unpaid care work as a crucial economic contributor. Governments are urged to improve working conditions in the care sector and implement measures to close the gender care gap.

• Ensuring women’s inclusion in peace and security efforts

  Reaffirming the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, the declaration underscores the importance of women’s active involvement in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and security policy.

• Strengthening accountability and data-driven policy-making

  The joint declaration calls for the enhanced collection of gender-disaggregated data to inform evidence-based policy-making and ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into tangible results.

The AU ECOSOCC President, Louis Cheick Sissoko, said: ‘Gender equality is a shared responsibility and a cornerstone of just, inclusive and prosperous societies. Africa and Europe must work together to dismantle systemic inequalities, ensure the protection of women’s rights and create opportunities for future generations. As we reaffirm our commitment to the Beijing+30 agenda, we call for urgent, transformative action to make gender parity a reality in governance, economic empowerment and digital inclusion.’

The EESC also highlights the EU’s priorities for CSW69, urging Member States to increase their efforts in tackling gender-based violence, promoting gender parity in governance and addressing the intersectionality of gender with other forms of discrimination. The EESC calls on the EU to remain vocal against the shrinking space for civil society and to block any backlash against women’s rights, particularly from extremist political movements.

Looking ahead: a renewed commitment

The EESC and AU ECOSOCC stress that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires comprehensive and integrated approaches that mainstream gender equality across all policies. Governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector must work together to accelerate progress and ensure that gender equality remains a global priority.

The two institutions reaffirm their commitment to advocating policies that dismantle structural barriers to gender equality and promote inclusive, sustainable development worldwide.

Contact

Marajke SŁOMKA (she/her)

Spokesperson of EESC President Oliver Röpke

+32 2 546 89 57 l +32 473 33 29 30

JDE 8036

Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99 | 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel