The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a functional commission of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. Established in 1946, it develops and implements international norms and standards, issues policy recommendations, adopts agreed conclusions and resolutions, advises on gender mainstreaming across UN entities, and monitors progress towards the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), a critical framework for advancing women's rights worldwide.

 

This Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) guide focuses on combatting gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict zones and related security framework challenges. Part I examines GBV manifestations, including sexual violence, rape, and trafficking, and their broader impacts on women. Part II addresses security framework weaknesses: cybersecurity gaps and legal/enforcement deficiencies. Case studies include Ethiopia's sexual violence epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine war's GBV implications. The guide outlines UN initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative, supporting safe migration and empowering migrant women through technology, and the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), advocating for victim protection and gender-sensitive anti-trafficking measures.

 

The UNCSW, addressing "Combating Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones and its Challenges to Security Frameworks," will examine GBV's root causes, legal gaps, and enforcement issues. Delegates will assess CEDAW, UNSCR 1325, and the roles of peacekeepers, governments, and NGOs in prevention and support. Key areas include integrating gender-sensitive policies into security frameworks, strengthening accountability, and enhancing cooperation. The committee aims to develop consensus-based solutions to protect affected individuals and reinforce global security.