CSW 2015: Sweden stands up for women's empowerment
Updated
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is holding its annual meeting in New York between 9 and 20 March. Sweden's Minister for Children, the Elderly and Gender Equality, Åsa Regnér, is leading the Swedish delegation and participating in several events.
"Sweden's voice for the rights of women and girls worldwide plays a role for others. Our line is to stand up for gender equality and the right of women to self-determination," says Ms Regnér.
- Speech by Åsa Regnér: Speech at the annual meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The political declaration was adopted at the session on 9 March.
Sexual and reproductive health linked to poverty
On Tuesday 10 March, Åsa Regnér participated in the side event 'Why reproductive rights matter'.
Ms Regnér emphasised that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are central to the work of achieving gender equality.
"It is important to see the link to the fight against poverty. If women are denied SRHR, the result is that they often remain in poverty," said Ms Regnér.
She also underscored that unsafe abortions are still a major problem, which is unacceptable. On Wednesday 11 March, Åsa Regnér participated in the seminar 'New Actions on Women's Rights'.
Contribution of boys and men is crucial
On Wednesday 11 March, Åsa Regnér participated in a panel of Nordic ministers that included Manu Sareen of Denmark and Eygló Harðardóttir of Iceland.
"The contribution of boys and men to increasing gender equality is crucial for future gender equality efforts. We need to find common ways forward," said Ms Regnér.
In 2015 it is 20 years since UN Member States adopted an action plan on women's rights in Beijing. At the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York from 9 to 20 March, the delegates will exchange experiences and discuss progress relative to the goals for better conditions for women around the world set out in the Beijing Platform for Action.
The Swedish delegation also includes Ambassador Annika Molin Hellgren, officials from the Division for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), two members of the Riksdag and representatives of five civil society organisations. All will be actively involved during the meeting.
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