Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD): A Unique Opportunity at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSWD)

As a leading figure in advocating for women’s empowerment, Smt. Annpurna Devi, the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, has joined the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This pivotal event will allow her to deliver a compelling National Statement on GOI (Global Organizations for77) Initiatives for Holistic Development of Women & Girls, and engage with Indian diaspora members of the international community.

Overview of the 69th Session of CSWD

The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This year, the session will focus on reviewing global progress in achieving gender equality and empowerment, with a special emphasis on the 30-year anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The 69th Session kicks off on March 10th, 2025, and is expected to host over 946 attendees, including ministers, senior officials from all member states, inter-governmental organizations, private sector leaders, philanthropic bodies, academic institutions, women’s groups, and UN agencies.

Smt. Annpurna Devi’s Role at the CSWD

As the WCD Minister, Smt. Devi will play a pivotal role in this significant event. She is expected to deliver a National Statement on GOI Initiatives aimed at fostering holistic development for women and girls, which aligns with the principles of gender equality, empowerment, and sustainable progress. Additionally, she will participate in the Ministerial Roundtable, where she will discuss transformative initiatives such as health, education, entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and reducing societal drudgery through a series of concrete policies.

Smt. Devi is also invited to attend an interactive session with Indian diaspora on International Women’s Day in New York. This rare opportunity allows her to engage with the Indian diaspora while celebrating their contributions to women’s empowerment.

The Session’s Significance

This event represents a unique opportunity for Smt. Devi and other WCD ministers to witness the progress and challenges in global gender equality. The session will revolve around discussing key initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, with a special focus on addressing issues such as health, education, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and equitable resource distribution.

By participating in this session, Smt. Devi will not only showcase the progress made but also inspire Indian citizens to take an active role in promoting gender equality and holistic development for all.

Conclusion

As a key player in advancing global gender equality, Smt. Annpurna Devi’s participation in the 69th CSWD is a significant step forward. Her visit will not only highlight the progress made under her leadership but also serve as a beacon of hope and action for Indian citizens to contribute to a more equitable world. This event underscores the importance of women’s empowerment and the role of India in fostering global change.