South Africa Presents Beijing+30 Progress Report at UN CSW69

Chikunga is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is being held from March 10 to March 21, 2025.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to present South Africa’s Beijing+30 report. The report details the nation's progress in advancing gender equality and implementing the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) over the past five years.

Chikunga is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is being held from March 10 to March 21, 2025. The session marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.

A Comprehensive Review of Progress and Challenges

The South African Beijing+30 report provides a comprehensive analysis of gender equality efforts from 2019 to 2024, based on data, statistics, and key policy trends. It reviews achievements and persistent challenges across the 12 critical areas of concern outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action. These areas include:

• Women and poverty
• Education and training
• Women’s health
• Violence against women
• Women and armed conflict
• Women and the economy
• Women in power and decision-making
• Human rights of women
• Women and the media
• Women and the environment
• The empowerment of the girl child

“The focus of the report is on identifying priorities, achievements, challenges, and gaps, while also demonstrating and highlighting emerging and future priorities,” the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities stated in a press release.

South Africa’s Leadership in Gender Equality and Global Advocacy

South Africa’s participation in CSW69 coincides with its Presidency of the G20, where gender equality and women’s empowerment remain key priorities. As part of its global advocacy efforts, South Africa will share policy recommendations and best practices to strengthen women’s socio-economic rights, promote inclusive economic growth, and eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination.

Accompanying Minister Chikunga in New York are several high-level government officials, including Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr. Reginah Mhaule, and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts.

Additionally, provincial representation includes the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, and the Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development. These leaders will present regional insights on education, health, and social protection initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls.

The CSW69 session is expected to provide a significant platform for South Africa to showcase its commitment to gender equality while engaging with global stakeholders to address the ongoing challenges women face in achieving full socio-economic and political participation.

As discussions continue over the next two weeks, South Africa will emphasize the importance of accelerated action to close gender gaps and ensure a more inclusive and equitable future for women and girls worldwide.