CSW 2009

The 53rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will be held 2–13 March 2009.

In accordance with its multi-year programme of work for 2007–2009, the Commission will consider the following themes at its 53rd session:

• Priority Theme: “The Equal Sharing of Responsibilities between Women and Men, including Caregiving in the Context of HIV/AIDS”
• Emerging Issue: “The Gender Perspectives of the Financial Crisis”
• Review Theme: “Equal Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making Processes at All Levels” — review of the agreed conclusions on this theme adopted by the Commission at its 50th session in 2006

For more information, please see the official documentation.

About the CSW
The CSW was established in 1946 by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 11(II) with the objective of promoting the principle that men and women shall have equal rights. Originally a 15-member body, it now consists of 45 members elected by ECOSOC for a period of four years. The Commission recommends and reports to ECOSOC on the promotion of women's rights in the political, economic, civil, social and educational fields and also addresses problems affecting women that require immediate attention.

Since 1996, the main focus of work of the CSW has been to monitor the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. At its twenty-third special session in June 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted a Political Declaration and Further Actions and Initiatives to Implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (the Outcome Document). The commission's current work, as determined by its multi-year programme of work 2007–2009, focuses on the implementation of both the Platform for Action and the outcome document.

International Women’s Day
The theme for International Women's Day 2009, observed at the United Nations this year on 5 March, will be "Women and Men United to End Violence against Women and Girls." read more »