CSW69 Interactive Dialogue: Participation, accountability, and gender-responsive institutions
69th Commission on the Status of Women
Interactive Dialogue:
Participation, accountability, and gender-responsive institutions
18 March 2025, UNHQ, New York
Statement by
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Excellencies,
International IDEA firmly believes that gender equality is essential for democracy, and that democracy is essential for gender equality. One cannot thrive without the other. However, we are deeply concerned about the global backlash against both gender equality and democracy, threatening hard-won gains over the past decades.
Women must have an equal voice in leadership and policymaking at all levels and across all sectors. When women hold power, governance becomes more inclusive, transparent, and effective, leading to stronger policies on economic growth, education, health, and climate resilience—all critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
However, achieving gender equality demands gender-responsive democratic institutions. Parliaments, electoral bodies, political parties, civil society organizations must actively dismantle barriers, create space for women to lead, and integrate gender perspectives to:
• Ensure inclusive policymaking that reflects the needs of all citizens.
• Strengthen democratic accountability and public trust.
• Combat discrimination, bias in political financing, and gender-based violence in politics.
The 69th session of CSW is a critical moment for Member States to reaffirm their commitment to accelerating progress on gender equality. But this commitment must go hand in hand with putting democracy at the heart of UN discussions. Democracy is the most powerful instrument to advance gender equality. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Member States failed to reaffirm the essential link between democracy and gender equality in the political declaration approved last week.
International IDEA remains committed to working alongside the UN, Member States, and civil society to ensure that gender equality remains central to the future of democracy and sustainable development.
Thank you.
