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The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) marked a significant milestone in the global pursuit of equality.

This session coincides with the 30th anniversary of the (Beijing+30), providing a crucial opportunity to review progress and renew commitments to women’s rights and empowerment.

Thirty years ago, UNESCO actively participated in the preparatory work for the BPfA. As the lead agency for education and communication, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� raised questions that remain burning issues today, such as women’s contribution to peace and the challenges posed to women and girls by new technologies.

The side-event brought together over 100 participants from international organizations, governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and reinforce global commitments to gender equality. 

UNESCO showcased key achievements in advancing women’s rights across education, science, culture, and communication, reaffirming its commitment to integrating gender equality into all its initiatives.

To further track progress, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� developed a comprehensive dashboard that consolidates data from hundreds of organizations and programs, offering valuable insights into gender equality in education.

Efforts to empower women in STEM and research have also expanded, with initiatives such as the L'Oréal-UNESCO program fostering the careers of thousands of women scientists. 

Beyond education and science, UNESCO supports grassroots organizations that enhance economic opportunities for women, recognizing that investing in women has a transformative impact on entire communities. 

The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan remains deeply alarming, marked by severe restrictions on their rights and opportunities. As highlighted during the event, Afghan women have faced a devastating regression following the return to power of the de facto authorities. Once given a brief window of hope over the past two decades, they now find themselves largely excluded from education and professional life. 

Many Afghan women lack access even to primary education, while the media landscape has become increasingly repressive, forcing women journalists out of work. Yet, amidst this darkness, initiatives like Radio Begum, founded by women for women, provide a vital lifeline. At a time when Afghan women are being systematically erased from public life, such initiatives serve as a beacon of resilience and hope.

The intersection of gender, media, and technology presents both significant opportunities and pressing challenges for women’s rights. Women’s voices in the media are powerful, yet they often face severe repercussions, including gender-based disinformation and online violence. Strengthening protection mechanisms, closing gender gaps in media leadership, and holding tech companies accountable are crucial steps toward ensuring a safer and more inclusive digital space. 

In the creative industries, fostering opportunities for women through training and employment can help bridge persistent inequalities. 

Meanwhile, advancements in neurotechnology highlight the need for ethical safeguards, as historical biases in research have often excluded women, putting them at risk. Without careful regulation, emerging technologies could reinforce discrimination rather than dismantle it.