My First Experience at CSW69: A Journey of Advocacy, Reflection, and Action

Attending the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations was a truly transformative experience. As a first-time participant, I was immersed in a global dialogue that not only celebrated progress but also critically examined the persistent gaps in gender equality and women's rights. The energy, passion, and commitment of advocates, policymakers, and civil society leaders were palpable, reinforcing the urgent need to accelerate action towards gender justice.

A Platform for Global Advocacy

CSW69 provided a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders and changemakers from around the world. The plenary sessions, panel discussions, and side events highlighted key issues such as economic empowerment, gender-based violence, climate justice, and digital inclusion. Witnessing the collective effort to shape policies and initiatives reaffirmed the importance of global solidarity in advancing women's rights.

Reflecting on Beijing +30: Progress and Challenges

This year’s CSW session held special significance as it marked 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. The Beijing +30 review served as a critical moment to assess achievements and identify areas where progress has stalled.

Over the past three decades, the Beijing Platform for Action has been a guiding framework for gender equality. It has led to significant strides in education, legal rights, and political participation for women. However, challenges remain—gender-based violence persists at alarming rates, the gender pay gap continues to disadvantage women, and the impact of crises such as climate change and conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls.

As I return from CSW69, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. The voices of women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their struggles and successes, serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we stand together. The journey continues, and the fight for gender equality must remain a priority—not just for women, but for society as a whole.

Let me repeat the advice from UN Secretary General António Guterres, “ Power is never given, it needs to be taken. When policies are formulated, women organisations should mobilise themselves to create that political power and use the tools of technology as much as possible. They will hear you if you shout loud enough”. Let us mobilise ourselves and shout loud enough to turn words into action and ensuring that the promises of Beijing +30 become a lived reality for all women and girls.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us be reminded that true gender equality must uplift and include all women, everywhere. This year’s theme, "For all women and all: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.", reinforces the urgent need for collective action to ensure that no woman is left behind in the pursuit of justice, opportunity, and dignity.

Women of all backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances deserve access to education, economic security, safety, and leadership opportunities. Achieving true equality requires dismantling systemic barriers, challenging biases, and fostering environments where women can thrive.

Empowerment is more than just a vision—it’s a call to action. Investing in women strengthens communities, drives economic growth, and creates a more just and prosperous future for all.

This IWD 2025, let’s turn our commitment into action:
✅ Advocate – Raise awareness about gender equality and speak up against discrimination in your community and workplace.
✅ Support – Mentor and uplift women, especially those facing additional barriers.
✅ Give Back – Volunteer or donate to organizations dedicated to women's education, safety, and economic empowerment.
✅ Educate – Learn and share knowledge about gender issues to inspire meaningful conversations and change.
✅ Engage – Encourage policies and initiatives that promote women's rights and inclusion in all sectors.

To assist you in crafting programmes and actions, you may want to refer to the SISEAP IWD 2025 tool kit in the February eSPAN, also available from the link below. 

Let’s unite in championing a world where every woman has the rights, opportunities, and support she deserves. Because when all women rise, society rises with them.

#IWD2025 #RightsEqualityEmpowerment #ForAllWomen

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org

As we celebrate Education Day (24 January), let us reflect on the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, communities, and the future of our world. Education is not just a fundamental right but a cornerstone for achieving equality, opportunity, and empowerment.

As Soroptimists, we are committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. This goal reminds us that inclusive and equitable education is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty, reducing inequalities, and fostering innovation.

Together, let us continue to champion initiatives that:

• Support lifelong learning opportunities for women and girls.
• Provide access to quality education in underserved communities.
• Advocate for policies that promote gender equality in education.

Let us take pride in celebrating the remarkable impact of our Soroptimist clubs across South East Asia Pacific for the year 2024 as shown in the video and the statistics below.

Every effort we make—no matter how small—brings us closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we can empower generations to come.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org