The meet featured four key side events organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN
In an impactful showcase at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the United Nations' flagship event for gender equality and women's empowerment, India emphasized the critical role of collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing global gender equality initiatives.
 
Spanning from March 11 to March 22, 2024, this year's gathering in New York spotlighted India's leadership in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, echoing the event's theme of "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective."
 
India's presence was felt through a series of dynamic engagements and thought-provoking discussions, underpinned by a commitment to driving change on the global stage. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN highlighted, "From engaging panels to empowering initiatives, India led the charge for gender equality and women's empowerment at CSW68."
 
The event featured four key side events organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, focusing on vital issues such as financing for gender equality, women-led development, and the prevention of gender-based violence, in collaboration with UN Women India and the All-India Women’s Education Fund Association.
 
A significant highlight was the panel discussion on 'Investing in Gender Equality' on March 13, 2024, where India, leveraging its G20 presidency, underlined the importance of public and private sector partnerships in gender equality efforts. The establishment of a G20 Working Group on Women’s Empowerment marked a pivotal step towards global gender parity.
 
The dialogue on women-led development on March 19, 2024, spotlighted the transformative power of women in leadership, showcasing India's progress through initiatives like "Hum: When Women Lead," an anthology celebrating the stories of 75 distinguished female leaders.
 
Efforts to combat gender-based violence were also discussed, with initiatives like Sambal and Samarthya under Mission Shakti highlighted for their role in creating safer environments for women and girls.
 
The fourth side-event, titled "Gender Equality Through Financial Independence," co-hosted with the All-India Women’s Education Fund Association, explored strategic approaches to meet the financial needs of women and girls worldwide. Distinguished speakers, including India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, and former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and global cooperation.
 
Summarizing India's role, the Permanent Mission stated, "India's participation at CSW68 underscores its dedication to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment globally. By fostering collaboration, celebrating women's leadership, and implementing impactful initiatives, India continues to pave the way toward a more inclusive and equitable world."
 
This year's CSW68 comes at a critical juncture for gender equality, with the need for accelerated progress and increased investment more apparent than ever. With the world's eyes on the UN's largest gathering for gender equality, the collective efforts and shared commitments made here are set to shape the future of gender equality and women's empowerment globally.