The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) has officially commenced at the United Nations, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address critical gaps in gender equality. Among the prominent voices contributing to this year’s dialogue is Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is participating in high-level sessions focused on advancing gender parity in decision-making and ensuring responsive access to justice for women and girls.
Advancing Leadership and Governance
The international assembly is currently prioritizing discussions on the urgent need for deliberate legal, institutional, and cultural reforms. These reforms are viewed as essential pillars for creating sustainable opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in leadership and governance. The dialogue emphasizes that through specific policy interventions—such as gender quotas, affirmative action, mentorship programs, and robust institutional support—societies can strengthen female representation and ensure that women’s voices actively shape the policies that impact their communities.
Through policies such as gender quotas, affirmative action, mentorship, and institutional support, we can strengthen women’s representation and ensure that their voices shape policies that affect our societies.
-Hon. Kafilat Ogbara
Strengthening Access to Justice
A central theme of the 70th Session is the development of justice systems that are truly survivor-centered. Participants are exploring ways to dismantle the various barriers that frequently prevent victims of gender-based violence from seeking and obtaining legal redress. A critical component of this effort is the alignment of national justice frameworks with established global instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol.
