The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it was established by ECOSOC resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946.
The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls’ rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Why CSW Matters for SIGBI Members
For SIGBI, attending the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is far more than sitting in conference rooms listening to speeches. It’s an energising, hands‑on experience where members help represent the real lives of women and girls, influence global conversations, build meaningful partnerships, and return home with fresh ideas and opportunities for their clubs across Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, Asia and the Caribbean.
Our Programme Director leads the delegation, guiding members through the week so they enjoy a rich, varied experience and make the most of every opportunity.
Giving Women a Voice on the Global Stage
Through Soroptimist International, SIGBI holds consultative status at the United Nations. This means our representatives can join discussions that shape thinking on women’s rights, education, health, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women and girls.
When SIGBI members attend CSW, they bring something invaluable: real stories and practical experience from projects happening in local communities. Their voices help ensure that global policy isn’t shaped only by governments and academics, but also by organisations working directly with women and girls every day.
Sharing What We Do Best
SIGBI clubs deliver an extraordinary range of projects, and CSW offers a global platform to share that work. Members can take part in side events, presentations, and informal networking that shine a light on SIGBI’s achievements.
It’s also a chance to learn from others. Delegates discover new ideas, new approaches, and new ways of working that they can bring back to their clubs.
Learning from Global Best Practice
CSW brings together thousands of organisations tackling similar challenges. For SIGBI members, it’s a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest thinking and innovation.
Delegates gain access to:
Current research
Inspiring community programmes
Successful policy initiatives
Emerging global priorities
Fresh approaches to partnership working
Everything learned is shared across the federation, helping clubs strengthen their projects and align them with international best practice while still meeting local needs.
Building Relationships That Last
One of the most rewarding parts of CSW is the people you meet. Delegates connect with:
- UN agencies
- Government representatives
- International charities
- Women’s organisations
- Universities
- Funding bodies
- Community groups
Many long‑term partnerships begin with a simple conversation at CSW. These relationships can lead to joint campaigns, shared expertise, invitations to contribute to research, educational exchanges, and even future funding opportunities.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
SIGBI’s work and projects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and CSW helps members understand how global priorities are shifting and how members’ projects contribute to those wider goals.
Influencing the Future
Policy change doesn’t happen overnight. It grows through collaboration, shared learning, and sustained advocacy. CSW is one of the places where that groundwork is laid.
By attending, SIGBI members help shape the conversations, language, and priorities that eventually influence legislation, funding, and programmes around the world.