The State of Implementation of agreed conclusions adopted by the Commission on the Status of Women-Assessment of Implementation in the East and Southern Africa

 The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the UN’s main body for monitoring Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). It oversees the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and holds annual sessions where member states adopt agreed conclusions. African countries prepare for CSW sessions through regional pre-CSW meetings, which shape the African common position.

A UN Women study covering 25 East and Southern African (ESAR) countries (CSW63–CSW66) assessed the influence of the African common position on global CSW outcomes and the progress made in implementing GEWE commitments. While most ESAR countries have ratified global and regional gender equality treaties, challenges persist, including inadequate funding for social protection and gender mainstreaming.

Despite strong attendance at pre-CSW meetings, African influence in global CSW negotiations remains limited due to inadequate preparation, lack of advocacy strategies, and insufficient gender expertise. Coordination between governments, CSOs, and development partners is weak, leading to low stakeholder participation. CSOs struggle with access to CSW sessions due to accreditation delays, funding gaps, and non-transparent processes.

Recommendations include strengthening Africa’s leadership in CSW processes, integrating CSW commitments into national policies, enhancing coordination at regional and national levels, and improving CSO participation. The African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and UN agencies should provide strategic support. Monitoring the implementation of CSW outcomes at national and regional levels is crucial for advancing GEWE across Africa.