At its January 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a resolution setting out the EU’s priorities for the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW70). Centred on access to justice, women’s participation in public life and the elimination of gender‑based violence, the resolution outlines a roadmap for strengthening women’s rights and reinforcing democracy in Europe and globally.

The EESC highlights that women and girls worldwide continue to face legal, financial, social and digital barriers that prevent them from defending their rights. During the plenary debate, the rapporteurs stressed the urgency of removing discriminatory laws, improving legal aid and ensuring justice systems are accessible, affordable and gender‑responsive. They also emphasised the importance of civil society and social partners in supporting women who face discrimination, violence or exploitation.

Access to justice, the Committee notes, is both a human right and a prerequisite for exercising all other rights. To address persistent barriers, the resolution calls for eliminating discriminatory legislation, strengthening gender‑responsive judicial institutions, expanding affordable legal aid and ensuring the safety and confidentiality of survivors of violence. It also stresses the need for more women in judicial careers and for mandatory gender‑bias training for legal professionals. Digitalisation is highlighted as another priority, with Member States urged to expand digital literacy and ensure online legal information is accessible to all women.

CSW70 will also assess progress on women’s participation in public life and efforts to eliminate violence against women. The EESC underscores the need for equal representation, zero tolerance for gender‑based violence and protection for female human‑rights defenders, especially where civic space is shrinking.

Finally, the Committee commits to advancing CSW70 outcomes through strengthened civil dialogue, gender‑responsive budgeting, awareness‑raising and improved data collection.(lm)