CSW68 newsfeed – Director Carlien Scheele shares reflections from New York

This week and next, the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), is happening in New York.

CSW is the UN's largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment. It brings together government officials, civil society organisations, experts, and activists from around the world. The aim: to agree on actions and investments that eradicate poverty and advance gender equality.

Carlien Scheele, Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality, the EU agency for gender equality, will share her perspectives live from the event. Stay tuned!

11.03.2024 - Kicking off conversations

Today marks the start of CSW68. I am here together with my colleague Marusa Gortnar (Head of Research and Policy Support) to add an EU perspective with our agency's evidence.

It is not my first time at CSW. One of my most memorable CSW experiences dates to 2006, when I was first made aware of the link between climate change and gender equality - and how it is a threat multiplier to existing inequalities.

It is not my first time at CSW. One of my most memorable CSW experiences dates to 2006, when I was first made aware of the link between climate change and gender equality - and how it is a threat multiplier to existing inequalities.

It's these kinds of moments which bring you to a pause to reflect deeply on the challenges women face around the world - that and many similar experiences spoken straight from the source.

Challenges for gender equality remain. Here's where I feel attention is due for this year's CSW and beyond.

Financial independence

Women might seem financially independent just by having an income, but perception belies reality. It's much more multidimensional than that.

A violent partner may withhold a woman's bank card and ID, making her unable to act independently - where her income becomes obsolete. That's one aspect of gender inequality and financial independence.

And more generally, the gender pay gap is ever present - which only increases with age and eventually becomes the gender pension gap.

Financial autonomy and decision making must underpin every stage of life. One stage impacts the other indefinitely.

Financial autonomy and decision making must underpin every stage of life. One stage impacts the other indefinitely.

I look forward to addressing this today, 11 March in a high level side event on: Financial Empowerment of Women and Girls over The Whole Life Cyle, where I will bring evidence from our new study on which was Financial independence and gender equality: Joining the dots between income, wealth and power commissioned by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union as one of its priority themes during its Presidency.

Council Conclusions will be adopted based on the report as well. The report will be published this May.

Women in parliaments

There is no democracy without women. And now, we do not see enough women in winnable seats for elections - in the EU and globally.

Systemic barriers are holding women back from stereotypes to gender-based violence. Which is only slowing the rate of change in seeing a stronger share of women MPs in the EU.

Alongside creating an equitable, zero-tolerance for discrimination environment, we need to see women's names on electoral zip lists to ensure they accelerate to decision making positions in parliament.

And we need to vote. Use your vote to vote for gender equality.

I will use our evidence to contribute to a high-level event on parity, democracy, and social justice: challenges and progress on Wednesday 13 March.

Unpaid Care

According to our agency's EU-wide survey looking at the gender gaps in unpaid care between women and men there's a greater balance of childcare. But there isn't when it comes to the type of task.

Rather disturbingly, nearly half of women - 49% - living with a partner report assuming primary responsibility for these kinds of essential tasks, compared to a mere 6% of men.

Gender norms and stereotypes alongside a shortage of external care services compound this reality.

The dialogue on care is especially important. Because it is currently a gatekeeper for freedom of choice.

The dialogue on care is especially important.

Because it is currently a gatekeeper for freedom of choice.

Dismantling stereotypes and providing more care services is way of giving women and men more choices in life to take up career opportunities, engage in self-development and ongoing learning - not forgetting time for self-care.

I will be bringing these aspects to a high-level dialogue on care towards the end of my time here on Thursday March 14.

Expectations

Now that I am here in New York among leading actors and experts, the atmosphere is alive with hope and anticipation.

I expect the side events I will be taking part in to be charged with encouraging practices for reforms and innovative initiatives from one corner of the globe to inspire another corner.

We need the voices of many to learn and lead from each other.

Sometimes it takes side-stepping out of familiar territory to take stronger #3StepsForward for the future of gender equality.

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