The 53rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) opened last 2 March 2009, with the theme, “The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS.” Over 3,000 women are expected to attend the session which will last until 13 March 2009.

The NGO Consultation Day was held last 1 March 2009, with civil society participants gather to set their priority for this CSW session. In a report by Carole Shaw of the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), the participants projected the following outputs from the 53^rd CSW session:

• A negotiated outcomes document on the priority theme of "The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS" by the second week.
• A moderated Summary on the review theme "The equal participation of women and men in decision-making at all levels," which is a non-negotiated text
• A review on Beijing +15 and strategies for NGO input
• A presentation to the General Assembly on Gender Equality Architecture Reform (GEAR)
• A resolution on Palestinian Women and Girls on HIV/AIDS
• A new multi-year programme of work for CSW
• A resolution on the working methods of CSW
• A newly-elected bureau of CSW

Shirley Randell, a convener for International Relations of the Rwanda Association of University Women (RUAW), who has been working for the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Rwanda expressed, “ Equal rights, opportunities and access to resources, equal sharing of responsibilities for the family by men and women, and a harmonious partnership between them are critical to their well-being and that of their families as well as to the consolidation of democracy."

Similarly, Carolyn Hannan of the UN Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) affirmed that inequality of caring work is unequal in all areas of the world. She emphasised the need for a stronger focus on men and boys, addressing stereotypes embedded in many societies, institutions and cultures. These stereotypes have posed as a major constraints on men from assuming caring roles.

During the caucus of participants from the Pacific Islands, Edward Yamai of the Anglicare Stop-AIDS conveyed his positive expectations from the 53rd CSW session. “Through these networks we can identify what works and what doesn't so that we can design programmes and activities at the country level to combat HIV and create an environment where it encourages the equal sharing of responsibility between men and women in the context of care giving."

The 53rd CSW session also features a “Girls Programme,” which is dedicated to young women, including those below 16 years. The “Girls Programme” aims to encourage a more active participation from young women.

For more reports on the 53rd CSW session, visit the Asia-Pacific Women's Watch website.

Sources:
Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls. (28 February 2009). “Reports from CSW Meeting: The Pacific Experience .”
Carole Shaw. (3 March 2009). “APWW: CSW Report 1 .”