As we bid farewell to Women’s Month, we reflect on FAWE’s participation at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10–21, 2025. This year’s session focused on taking stock of the progress made since the historic Beijing Platform for Action of 1995 — a landmark blueprint for advancing women’s rights and gender equality worldwide.

The main discussion at this year’s session centered around the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the outcomes of the special session of the General Assembly. It was an opportunity for global leaders, activists, and organizations to reflect on the milestones achieved over the past three decades, and to candidly address the persistent challenges that continue to hinder gender equality.

FAWE was actively engaged throughout the proceedings. Representing the Secretariat, the Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, and Advocacy Officer Ms. Fraciah Kagu, attended a high-level Amplify Girls session on the AGAS tool (African Girls’ Agency Scorecard). This important tool aims to measure and accelerate progress towards ensuring that African girls are empowered to exercise their rights and agency.

FAWE Senior Programme Officer, Emily Gumba and Programme Assistant, Cynthia, joined the Governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Italy and UNFPA at UN Headquarters, to take count of achievements, challenges, opportunities, and commitments towards eliminating barriers to gender equality and actively investing in adolescent girls’ potential and rights by the three countries.

FAWE hosted an engaging and interactive discussion dubbed ‘Nhanga’ with young women, focusing on how they can continue to drive and shape the future of gender equality. The discussion provided a platform where youth explored solidarity, available resources, and the role of digital influence in advancing their rights.

Represented by Programme Officer Naomi Kamitha, FAWE also moderated a panel discussion on Girls’ and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. During the session, FAWE Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes Teresa Omondi-Adeitan highlighted,

“To unlock the full potential of girls in STEM, we need more than just encouragement—we need policies, mentorship, and role models. Every girl deserves a chance to thrive beyond basic education, with opportunities, support, and mentors to guide them every step of the way.” 

The growing importance of youth involvement in conversations about the challenges they face, especially in light of shifting political landscapes, pushback on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and shrinking donor funding.

Beyond individual sessions, FAWE leveraged CSW69 as a platform to engage with policymakers, development partners, and grassroots advocates to reinforce the urgency of investing in girls’ education, leadership, and well-being. FAWE’s participation underscored the organization’s unwavering belief that educating and empowering girls is pivotal to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

As we close this chapter of Women’s Month, FAWE remains energized and committed to driving transformative change. We will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that put girls at the center, ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive in school, in the workforce, and in society at large.