Lesotho took part in the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69) from March 10 to 21, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The session marked three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, drawing representatives from governments, civil society, and advocacy groups to evaluate progress and chart the way forward for women’s rights and gender equality.
Speaking at the plenary, Ambassador ‘Nena, representing the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture, and Social Development, reaffirmed Lesotho’s dedication to gender equality. He noted the country’s strides in education, efforts to curb gender-based violence, and initiatives aimed at equipping women with entrepreneurial skills.
With the Fourth Summit on Financing for Development set for June 2025, the Ambassador called on SADC member states to establish concrete strategies for funding gender-focused programs in collaboration with UN agencies.
On the first day of the session, member states unanimously adopted key documents, including a Political Declaration and the Platform for Action. A Multi-Year Programme of Work, which will guide discussions for the next four CSW meetings, is also set for adoption.
On the sidelines of the event, Ambassador ‘Nena attended a consultative meeting of SADC Ministers of Gender on March 11. The meeting addressed pressing regional issues, including HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and gender-based violence. Climate change and its impact on food security also took center stage, with several SADC nations forced to declare states of emergency despite investments in agriculture. Delegates stressed that women are disproportionately affected by these crises, calling for urgent and targeted interventions.
