WGNRR’s statement for the 69th Session of the CSW

This is a statement submitted by Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, for the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) representing over 1000 organizations and individuals across global south welcomes the focus of the Commission of the Status of Women on reviewing and assessing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. WGNRR underscores that the right to make decisions about one’s body, including the right to safe and legal abortion, is a core human right. Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights, through this statement highlights the need for busting gender stereotypes, while engaging with young people and youth in decision making process. Gender stereotypes are deeply embedded in societal norms, laws, and policies, often framing women primarily as caregivers and moral guardians. These stereotypes restrict women’s roles to those that support patriarchal structures, thereby limiting their autonomy over reproductive choices. In our pursuit to gender equality and empowerment, we cannot underestimate the role played by individuals, organizations, young people in quashing centuries old stereotypes that harm the road to equality and equity.

Impact of SRHRJ on road to gender equality and equity

We emphasize that gender equality and empowerment for all can only be achieved if women and girls are provided with the opportunities for full and equal participation in development. These opportunities are intrinsically linked to rights-based SRH programs, the removal of burdensome and anti-choice institutions, and the uncompromising pursuit of development justice. At the core of the mission to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls lies the universal and complete realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights.  

Youth, young people, women and girls play an integral role in accelerating changes for realizing gender equality; however, they do not get equal opportunities, place around the decision making table to centralize their concerns. This group is most adversely impacted by lack of access to SRHR services; however, is the most marginalized and neglected. WGNRR calls upon the member states to take action and pave constructive path towards inclusive, dignified SRHR care for all, across all diversities.

Impact of Gender Stereotypes on SRHR and Abortion Rights

Gender stereotypes are deeply embedded in societal norms, laws, and policies, often framing women primarily as caregivers and moral guardians. These stereotypes restrict women’s roles to those that support patriarchal structures, thereby limiting their autonomy over reproductive choices. For instance, the stereotype that women are inherently nurturing and self-sacrificing fosters the belief that motherhood is obligatory, undermining the legitimacy of abortion as a personal and autonomous choice. Such stereotypes are institutionalized through restrictive abortion laws, biased counselling requirements, and parental or spousal consent laws, which collectively obstruct timely and safe access to abortion services.

Furthermore, the stigmatization of abortion is reinforced through media portrayals, cultural narratives, and legal frameworks that criminalize or morally condemn abortion seekers and providers. This stigma not only deters individuals from seeking necessary health services but also contributes to mental health burdens, social ostracization, and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence.

Under the human rights umbrella, Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights takes this opportunity to call upon member states to: 

• Promote the integration of gender, human rights, and reproductive justice frameworks in all SRHR programs, policies, and other institutions.

• Place particular focus on the needs of marginalized communities, people of colour, trans and gender-diverse people, rural and remote communities, and indigenous women and girls through addressing the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that prevent them from realizing their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

• Legal Reform: States should decriminalize abortion and remove restrictive legal barriers that impede access to safe abortion services. This includes abolishing laws that require third-party authorization and those that impose unnecessary procedural hurdles

• Address structural barriers, embedded in social norms, laws, and policies that prevent individuals from realizing their sexual and reproductive health and rights and exacerbate crises as they compound over poverty

• Urge the CSW resolution to recognize sexual and reproductive health and rights as a critical component of realization of Beijing+30 recommendations

• Roll out comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) now. Ensure that CSE curricula are embedded with principles on consent, bodily autonomy, and human rights. Ensure that CSE is accessible and available in various education facilities and in various modalities.

• Health System Strengthening: Ensure that health care systems provide non-discriminatory, respectful, and confidential reproductive health services, including safe abortion, post-abortion care, and contraception

• Addressing Stigma: Launch public awareness campaigns to destigmatize abortion and challenge societal norms that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women’s roles and reproductive choices.

Conclusion

The full realization of SRHR, including abortion rights, is inextricably linked to the dismantling of harmful gender stereotypes. States have an obligation under human rights framework to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, promote gender equality, and ensure that all individuals can exercise their reproductive rights without fear, stigma, or coercion. Upholding these rights is not just a matter of health but a fundamental requirement for gender justice and human dignity.