CEDAW 90th session (3-21 February 2025)
Date: 02/21/2025
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
BPW Participants: Chularat Israngkool Na Ayutthaya – BPW Bangkok – Thailand , Asia & Pacific Representative : UN Geneva Switzerland , UNESCAP Bangkok Thailand
Doris Gerber Cerrud Viquez – BPW Lake Geneva – Switzerland Geneva UN Main Representative, ECOSOC Representative
Highlights
The 90th CEDAW Session convened in Geneva from 3–21 February 2025, reviewing State Party reports from Belarus, Belize, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (including an exceptional report on conflict-related sexual violence), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. A general discussion on gender stereotypes featured prominently, with participation from States parties and 17 NGOs. The Committee updated its working methods, advanced inquiry procedures, and collaborated informally with NGOs and UN entities, including WHO. BPW International observed the dialogues, underlining the importance of civil society in shaping gender-sensitive policies and ensuring accountability for women’s rights.
Recommendations
BPW members should monitor and support national-level follow‑up on CEDAW concluding observations, partner with local and regional NGOs in shadow reporting, engage with media to raise awareness on stereotypes and sexual violence, and contribute expertise to national dialogues, particularly on accelerated implementation of recommendations.
Conclusion
The Committee reviewed eight State reports, held discussions with NGOs and UN entities, advanced work on gender stereotypes and technology-facilitated violence, and progressed on inquiries and follow-ups. It emphasized improving working methods and highlighted cooperation with other UN bodies and national institutions despite reduced online access.
