At the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), global commitments to gender equality take center stage. But how do these agreements translate into real change for marginalized communities facing specific challenges?
In this interview, Flavia Zalwango—a seasoned SRHR advocate with 15 years of experience in the human rights NGO sector—shares insights on the impact of CSW on the ground, her work in advancing SRHR in Uganda, and why ensuring universal access to SRHR is not just a health issue but a matter of justice.
Were your expectations for this year’s CSW met, what was the most important outcome for you and what have you been looking forward to the most?
This year’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) presented an exciting opportunity to advance meaningful commitments on gender equality. I was looking forward to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities especially sexual and gender minorities, women who use drugs, and sex workers within the global discourse on gender equality. I expected this year’s CSW to emphasize the need for intersectionality and inclusiveness in global gender strategies. I was particularly excited to connect with global partners, share lessons from our grassroots work in Uganda, and push for stronger commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all, including often-overlooked populations.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, CSW69 adopted a Political Declaration reaffirming global commitments to accelerate progress toward gender equality. This declaration emphasizes urgent, transformative actions to address disparities in health, education, economic opportunities, and leadership for women and girls. It also highlights emerging challenges such as climate change impacts, humanitarian crises, and the necessity for financing gender-responsive policies. Notably, it included adolescent girls for the first time, recognizing their unique needs and contributions. Additionally, the text reinforced commitments to address gender-based and sexual violence, emphasized women’s full and meaningful participation, acknowledged their role in peacebuilding, and recognized the importance of care work and universal health coverage.
The needs and rights of the LGBTI community were actively addressed during CSW69, with organizations like Outright International hosting events to commemorate over 30 years of advocacy within the United Nations framework. These events focused on the progress and ongoing challenges faced by lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer individuals in achieving recognition and equality. Discussions included topics such as transfeminist alliances against fascism, the lived realities of intersex women, and the political weaponization of religious narratives against LGBTIQ people.
However, the Political Declaration notably omitted explicit references to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and LGBTI rights, reflecting the ongoing polarization and challenges within international negotiations on these issues.
The push to erase ‘gender’ from international agreements by certain UN member states underscores the resistance faced in advancing comprehensive inclusivity. The omission is significant, as SRHR is considered a cornerstone of women’s equality and sustainable development. Activists and healthcare providers expressed concerns about increased hostility and misinformation affecting women’s access to safe abortions and reproductive health services, especially in the Global South.
How does your organization work with the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?
The work of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) aligns with and supports the Beijing Declaration by focusing on legal reform, access to justice, and policy advocacy for marginalized women and gender-diverse individuals. We work to eliminate discrimination in laws and practice, provide free legal aid, and document human rights violations especially those rooted in systemic gender inequalities.
Our community outreach and legal empowerment programs help translate the Declaration’s commitments into real change at the grassroots level.
We focus on access to education, ending gender-based violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) and ensuring SRHR for women and girls. Through partnerships, community outreach, capacity building, and policy engagement, we work to close the gap between global commitments and the lived realities of women—especially those in marginalized communities.
How do global agreements made at CSW impact your work on the ground?
Global agreements made at CSW provide a powerful framework for our advocacy and programming. They strengthen our ability to hold governments accountable to their commitments and give legitimacy to our demands for increased funding, inclusive policies, and rights-based approaches. These agreements also foster solidarity across borders, allowing us to learn from and collaborate with others facing similar challenges in different contexts. Ultimately, they help us translate global commitments into localized action.
These agreements also help HRAPF engage policymakers and funders more effectively, demonstrating that our work is part of a broader, globally recognized agenda.
They create momentum for change and provide legitimacy for marginalized voices seeking justice and inclusion.
CSW sessions provide platforms for civil society organizations to connect, share experiences, and form alliances. These networks enable HRAPF to collaborate on regional and international advocacy initiatives, amplifying their efforts to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
Why is SRHR essential for achieving a world where gender equality is achieved and women, girls, and other marginalized groups have equal opportunities?
SRHR is a cornerstone of gender equality. Without the ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives, women and marginalized people remain vulnerable to discrimination, poverty, and violence. Access to comprehensive SRHR services empowers individuals, enhances autonomy, and breaks cycles of marginalization. For groups like women who inject drugs or LBTQ+ women, SRHR is not just a health issue it’s about dignity, rights, and access to equal opportunities in society.
SRHR are essential in ensuring equal opportunities for women, girls, and other marginalized groups because they directly impact health, autonomy, and socio-economic empowerment.
Without access to comprehensive SRHR services and information, women and marginalized groups are denied autonomy, which perpetuates cycles of poverty, violence, and inequality. SRHR intersects with education, economic participation, and human rights, making it a cornerstone of any strategy aimed at achieving true gender equality and inclusive development.
Ensuring universal access to SRHR is not just a health issue it’s a justice issue.
SRHR is essential for promoting inclusivity among marginalized groups like LGBTI individuals, sex workers, and people with disabilities, who often face discrimination in accessing these services. Promoting inclusive, stigma-free, and rights-based SRHR care helps create equal opportunities for all, reducing health disparities.
