20260312
UN CSW70 Parallel Forums Focus on Women’s Empowerment; BLIA Members Engage in International Exchange

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) is currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.  On March 10, Venerable Miao Chu of Fo Guang Shan New York Temple and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members attended a number of parallel forums on topics related to women’s empowerment, social development, and human rights.   

At the Church Center for the United Nations, the forum “Empower Women: Driving Sustainable Change for Women and Girls” was organized by the African Women’s Alliance (AWA) and focused on the key role women play in sustainable development. Speakers shared practical experiences from several African countries regarding community development, educational opportunities, and legal protection. Stories from women in Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana illustrated resilience and strength across diverse cultural and social environments. 

The forum also highlighted several international figures who have long dedicated themselves to women’s rights and social reform, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Over the years, she has advocated for women’s participation in public affairs and political governance, encouraging women to enter leadership and decision-making roles. Her efforts have helped expand opportunities for women’s public participation in Africa and worldwide, making her an important symbol of progress toward gender equality.

The delegation also participated in the MENA Regional Caucus, organized by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY). Participants noted that women’s rights movements in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are currently undergoing an important period of transformation. Younger generations are increasingly becoming a driving force for reform. Many young advocates are using digital technology and social media platforms to connect civil society, encourage public dialogue, and promote institutional reform. Through intergenerational collaboration and technological tools, they aim to strengthen legal frameworks and institutional protections so that gender equality can gradually be realized across different levels of society.

In addition, the delegation attended a forum organized by Danish organizations titled “Domestic Violence—Early Prevention Will Foster Society.” The keynote speaker, Annika Svensson, has long been involved in social welfare and grassroots services. She shared practical experiences in promoting early prevention and community-based support systems, emphasizing that establishing comprehensive networks in family education, community care, and institutional protection can help reduce the incidence of domestic violence and foster a safer and more inclusive social environment.

BLIA member Hebe Liu remarked that listening to the experiences shared by women’s organizations from around the world deepened her understanding of global women’s issues and revealed a shared aspiration among societies to pursue respect, equality, and inclusiveness.