Our Conference on the State of Women and Family (CSWF) is gaining national prominence! Sponsored by four of the USA’s most influential right-wing organizations – led by the Heritage Foundation and C-Fam – it takes place in parallel to the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), at UN headquarters. The CSWF acts as a launch pad for conservative leaders and anti-abortion advocates. They enthusiastically speak out against “gender ideology” and cissexism, recruiting with their horrifying tales of attacks on heteronormative values. This event coincides with the CSW's efforts to reaffirm international commitments to women's rights, highlighting a stark division in global discourse.
The CSW has recently adopted a political declaration that emphasizes the commitment to respect, protect, and empower women and girls. Yet, the US government has been unwilling to support this declaration. For the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), this declaration is a very positive sign of international solidarity. Yet, they are alarmed about its glaring omission of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
So, negotiators at the CSW had an uncomfortable choice to make in 2024, admitting leeway in including SRHR. Instead, they made a judgement call to not push it in order to not blow up the negotiations. Beth Schlachter, senior director of US external relations at MSI Reproductive Choices, released this statement on that unfortunate compromise.
“This year negotiators didn’t feel they could continue to fight for [those rights] so they let it go – because [otherwise] it would crash the negotiations. Many of us find that profoundly disappointing,” – Beth Schlachter, senior director of US external relations at MSI Reproductive Choices
Anti-rights groups at the CSW are confronting participants and monopolizing conversations, leading to heightened conflict among CSW attendees. Marta Lempart, an activist best known for leading Poland’s pro-choice women’s strikes, pointed out the return of patriarchal forces.
“The alpha male is back in town,” – Marta Lempart
Lempart's assertion underscores concerns about the growing influence of conservative ideologies in global discussions on women's rights. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, stressed these issues in his opening speech.
“The poison of patriarchy is back – and it is back with a vengeance: slamming the brakes on action; tearing up progress; and mutating into new and dangerous forms.” – António Guterres, UN secretary general
The conference dynamics are a reflection of the larger global pattern. MSI Reproductive Choices has documented heightened targeting of healthcare providers, resulting in 28 arrests over the past two years. Similarly, the Reproductive Health Network Kenya has documented harassment of Nelly Munyasia on social media, necessitating security measures like removing signs from its offices.
The Pan-African Conference on Family Values in May in Nairobi has already been announced. This incident should alarm all women who increasingly depend on reproductive healthcare services. The sense of fear and distrust is real, as activists and civil society organizations brace for incoming attacks.
Sima Bahous, UN Women executive director, reiterated the need for women around the globe to stand together in her opening statements.
“A show of unity for all women and girls, everywhere … at a time when hard-fought gains for gender equality are under attack.” – Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women
Today the fight for women’s rights finds itself at a critical crossroads, with fierce backlash and pushback. The US refusal to support the final political declaration of the CSW only highlights this rift. In the face of these defeats, organizations such as IPPF have not given up fighting for women’s human rights.