Soroptimist International at CSW69

Soroptimist International is actively participating in CSW69, advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Through side events, discussions, and collaborations, SI will highlight key issues such as climate change, economic empowerment and education. Our representatives will work to ensure women’s voices are heard in shaping global policies. Join us as we drive meaningful change and push for a more just and sustainable future.

PLEASE NOTE: 

This page will be updated on a regular basis as information becomes available. Please do keep checking back for more updates!

All times given below are in New York Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Events organised by Soroptimist International

How environment affects the health of millions of women and girls, and what to do about it

Thursday 13 March 2025, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon

Participation: in-person

Event ID #: 17297

Other organisers: United Voices for Global Impact and Soroptimist International of Anchorage, Alaska

Co-sponsors: NGO CSW Geneva and ZONTA International

Location: CCUN

Description of event: An intact natural environment provides air, land, and water for a healthy, sustainable life.  Unfortunately, environmental degradation, especially climate change, disproportionately harms the health of women and girls and increases risks of communicable and non-communicable diseases.  Women and girls are exposed to increased risks of disease, reduced access to clean water and sanitation, and greater burdens of caregiving and resource collection.  Addressing these challenges requires urgent, gender-responsive policies and actions to protect and empower the most vulnerable populations.                 

                              

‘Soroptimists ‘on the road’ to Bridging the Gaps of Beijing+30’

Thursday 13 March 2025, 12.30 to 2.00 pm

Participation: in-person

Event ID #: 17052

Organisers: SIGBI, SIE, SIA, SIAF, SISEAP

Location: CCUN, 11th floor

Description of event: Soroptimist International supports the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Security Resolution 1325, CEDAW and the UN Sustainable Development Goals in particular SDG #5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Advocating for Human Rights and Gender Equality internationally together with Soroptimists globally providing ‘on the ground’ projects for some of the most vulnerable women and girls in our communities; often working in partnership with decision makers and other NGO’s to achieve greater results; we contribute to bridging the gaps within Beijing+30.

                            

Institutional Mechanism for the Advance of Women

Friday 21 March 2025, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Participation: virtual

Event ID#: 17361

Organiser: SI Taipei Hsingyi Club

Description of event: The intersection of gender equality and trade has gained increasing attention in recent years, highlighting the need to ensure that women benefit equality from global economic opportunities.  While trade can drive economic growth, it is often not gender-neutral; women face unique challenges such as limited access to markets, financial service, technology, and leadership roles. These barriers prevent many women from fully participating in and benefiting from the global trade system. This session will discuss how targeted trade reforms can facilitate women’s transition from informal to formal economic sectors, thereby securing their economic rights and contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth.

 

 

Events which Soroptimist International is taking part in

GBV Outcomes & Future Actions: How CSOs Enhance Their Influence

Tuesday 11 March 2025, 8.30 to 10.00 am

Participation: in-person

Event ID#: 16683

Organisers: PDC of PPSEAWA International and TCEA and Taiwan Coalition Anti Violence

Location: Church Centre, 8th floor

SI representative will give the opening address and Dr. Nina Smart is one of the presenters.

 

Mental Health Challenges Across Women’s Lifespan – Women and Health

Monday 17 March 2025, 10.30am to 12.00 noon

Participation: in-person

Event ID#: 17116

Organisers: Pallium India, The Grail, Soroptimist International

Location: Salvation Army

Description of event: Rates of anxiety and depression are higher among girls and women from adolescence, pregnancy, to the elderly. Climate anxiety, cyberbullying, and addictive patterns of social media use are some of the challenges faced by adolescent girls. Peri-partum depression is frequently under-recognized and associated with high morbidity and mortality. The mental health of older women is affected by serious illness, neglect, caregiver burden, and isolation. This session will discuss the unique challenges faced by women across their lifetimes and the role of telehealth. Opportunities to deconstruct these challenges, the digital rights for adolescents, and expansion of palliative care for elderly women will be discussed.

 

How a changing natural environment affects the health of women and girls, with recommended actions  

Tuesday 18 March 2025, 4.45 to 6.00 pm

Participation: in-person

Location: UN General Assembly Building: Conference Room F

Organisers: Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, Soroptimist International

Co-Sponsors: Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, (TBC), NGO CSW Geneva, ZONTA International, Soroptimist International of Anchorage, Alaska

State Missions involved: Mission of Greece, with co-sponsor Mission of Austria

Description of event – summary of Concept Note: An intact natural environment provides air, land, and water for a healthy, sustainable life.  Unfortunately, environmental degradation, especially climate change, disproportionately harms the health of women and girls and increases risks of communicable and non-communicable diseases.  Women and girls are exposed to increased risks of disease, reduced access to clean water and sanitation, and greater burdens of caregiving and resource collection.  Addressing these challenges requires urgent, gender-responsive policies and actions to protect and empower the most vulnerable populations

SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam will give the closing remarks.

 

Beijing+30 – Achievements, gaps, challenges and resolutions: Women and Health

Wednesday 19 March 2025, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon

Participation: in-person

Event ID#: 17055

Organisers: Medical Women International Association (MWIA), Soroptimist International, International Health Awareness Network (IHAN), Every Woman Treaty (EWT) and American Medical Women Association (AMWA)

Location: CCUN

Description of event: The Medical Women’s International Association, Every Woman Treaty, Soroptimist International and International Health Awareness Network come together to present their assessment of progress, achievements, identified gaps, challenges encountered and their solutions to improve the health and quality of life for women and girls, within their area of expertise relative to the Beijing +30. Join us to see the medical women outline their strategies to address those identified gaps and challenges to work towards the acceleration of the implementation of the Platform for action and gender equality within the critical area of Women and Health.

 

WIDOWS: Looking forwards: abolishing invisibility

Thursday 20 March 2025, 3.00 to 4.15 pm

Participation: in-person

Location: Conference Room E, UNGA, NY

State Missions involved: Permanent Mission DCR

Other NGO/CSO’s involved: WRI, National Human Rights Commission of DRC, Latter-day Saint Charities, Soroptimist International

Description of event: Data on widows is incomplete, however it is widely agreed by organisations working in the field that a conservative estimate would be over 300 million widows worldwide. This event aims to raise awareness of the plight of widows; the diversity, range and size of this demographic; & their contribution to their communities when enabled.

Experts and activists will share best practice from around the globe. All participants will then be able to contribute to the discourse on how to alleviate the plight of widows and recognise them as positive agents of change.

Speakers Include: HE Ambassador Zénon MUKONGO NGAY Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, President WIDO Richie Lontulungu, Dep Secretary HRC