New York, USA – 14–21 March 2025 — Nearly 30 years after the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, this year’s 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) served as a powerful reminder: the fight for gender equality is far from over—but it is more energised than ever.
CSW69, centered on reviewing progress since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, brought together governments, civil society, youth advocates, and feminist leaders from across the globe. Despite nearly three decades since the Beijing Declaration and with only five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the pace of progress on gender equality is concerningly slow. World leaders evaluated the journey thus far and strategised ambitious future actions for a more just and equal world.
“At UNAIDS, we recognise that the path to ending AIDS by 2030 is inseparable from the fight for gender equality. CSW Resolution 60/2 continues to serve not only as a critical normative framework but also as a beacon of progress and accountability, reinforcing the political will needed to tackle gender-based inequalities that drive HIV vulnerability. As CSW69 reminds us, nearly 30 years after Beijing, the urgency to act has never been clearer.”Christine Stegling
Deputy Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Knowledge Branch, UNAIDS
The Beijing Blueprint: Still Bold. Still Relevant. Still Needed.
The spirit of Beijing endures, even as we confront complex new challenges—from digital harassment and trafficking to the gendered impacts of climate change. Yet one truth cuts across every conversation: no country has achieved full gender equality, and the global rollback on rights demands urgent and coordinated action.
In a world where rights are under siege, the Beijing Platform for Action remains a guiding principle—a feminist blueprint for advancing the human rights of all women and girls, in all their diversity.
[Y+ Global and Frontline AIDS representatives at CSW69]
Co-hosted by UN Women, Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa, and the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV, the Intergenerational Dialogue: Beijing 30+ Gains, Losses, What Next? was a highlight of the week. The session created space for open and fearless conversations between seasoned feminists and emerging youth leaders.
Faith Thipe, Programme Officer for the UNITED! Movement at Y+ Global highlighted the impact of youth-led advocacy, citing Botswana as an example where institutionalised youth engagement has reshaped policy outcomes and public discourse. Similarly, she brought up The UNITED! Movement by reminding participants during the session that adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) continue to face structural barriers to opportunities. Through the Movement, they aim to amplify the voices of marginalised groups, including AGYW, centering gender justice in their programming and aligning with global goals such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
“When young people are entrusted with real responsibility, they produce tangible results. We’re not merely discussing gender-responsive governance—we’re actively creating it. Movements like UNITED! are learning, contributing, and implementing activities to promote gender equality and equity”Faith Thipe
Programme Officer for the UNITED! Movement
Veteran activist Mama Emma Kaliya, who participated in the original Beijing conference in 1995, brought emotional depth to the dialogue. She reflected on the generational continuity of the feminist movement and the need to pass the baton to a new cohort of change-makers.
“Beijing+30 offers an opportunity to engage with young feminists born after 1995, reminding them that the promise of equality is still theirs to claim. We must inspire a fresh wave of feminist activists to address both the unfulfilled commitments from Beijing and the current challenges surrounding women’s rights and gender equality that have arisen since then.”Mama Emma Kaliya
Malawi Human Rights Resource Center
[From left to right: Faith Thipe engaging in a panel discussion on intergenerational issues; Cindy Amaiza speaking at a panel discussion organised by RED]
During a dynamic side event hosted by RED, Cindy Amaiza, HER Voice Fund Manager at Y+ Global, delivered an unflinching analysis of the intersecting vulnerabilities faced by AGYW—from HIV and gender-based violence to underfunded health systems and harmful social norms.
“We need more than good intentions. We need investments—flexible, feminist, and rooted in the lived realities of young people. You cannot talk about progress and leave AGYW behind.”Cindy Amaiza
HER Voice Fund Manager
Cindy advocated for robust and adaptable funding mechanisms that bolster feminist movements and youth-led initiatives. She emphasised that gender equality will remain unattainable unless we prioritise the needs of those most affected. Furthermore, she urged the international community to take meaningful action by supporting solutions led by AGYW with both political commitment and concrete resources.
During another powerful moment at the African Union-SADC side event, Cindy challenged government officials, especially those from Ministries of Health and Gender, to move beyond rhetoric and take responsibility for their commitments to gender equality and health equity.
“The work starts at home—with national budgets, political will, and systems that serve women and girls. Don’t outsource your commitments. Own them.”Cindy Amaiza
HER Voice Fund Manager
Her message hit home, especially as she linked Beijing's legacy with the ongoing struggle to secure SRHR, HIV services, and comprehensive care that is gender-transformative and youth-centered.
CSW69 was not just a commemoration—it was a call to course-correct. In the face of global backlash, it reaffirmed the need for unity, urgency, and resilient feminist leadership across generations and geographies. The dialogue, energy, and resolve witnessed at CSW69 signal a growing global consensus: Beijing's unfinished business can—and must—be completed.
Y+ Global remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying youth voices, especially those of adolescent girls and young women living with or affected by HIV. Through flagship initiatives like the HER Voice Fund, READY+, and the UNITED! Movement, Y+ Global continues to champion the rights, health, and leadership of young people living with and most affected by HIV in all their diversity.