Introduction
Women’s development and gender equality have been central concerns of the United Nations (UN) since its establishment. Over the years, various UN agencies have taken up specific responsibilities to promote the welfare, rights, and empowerment of women. Among these, UNIFEM, DAW, and CSW have played crucial roles. They are essential to shaping policies, building awareness, funding programs, and monitoring global progress toward gender equality.
UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women)
Functions
- UNIFEM provided financial and technical support to innovative programs that promote women’s human rights, political participation, and economic security.
- It supported national strategies and action plans to improve women’s status.
- It worked with governments, civil society, and other UN agencies to promote gender equality.
Role
- UNIFEM played a leading role in advocating for women’s rights and creating awareness at the grassroots level.
- It worked to ensure women’s inclusion in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction.
- It focused on ending violence against women and promoting economic empowerment.
In 2011, UNIFEM was merged with other organizations to form UN Women, which continues its mission today.
DAW (Division for the Advancement of Women)
Functions
- DAW worked to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women globally through research, data collection, and technical expertise.
- It supported intergovernmental bodies like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
- It helped member states in implementing international commitments to women’s rights.
Role
- DAW was instrumental in preparing major global conferences on women, such as the 1995 Beijing Conference.
- It monitored implementation of the outcomes of these conferences through reports and guidelines.
- It collaborated with national governments and NGOs to strengthen gender-sensitive policies.
DAW has also been integrated into UN Women for better coordination and impact.
CSW (Commission on the Status of Women)
Functions
- CSW is a functional commission under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- It monitors progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment globally.
- It prepares recommendations and reports for ECOSOC and other UN bodies.
Role
- CSW reviews progress in implementing international agreements such as the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
- It holds annual sessions attended by member states, NGOs, and UN representatives to discuss emerging issues and set global standards.
- CSW is a platform for advocacy and international cooperation.
Collective Impact
- Together, these UN agencies have worked to improve women’s access to education, healthcare, and decision-making roles.
- They have highlighted violence against women as a public issue, not just a private matter.
- They have influenced laws, policies, and public opinion in countries around the world.
Conclusion
UNIFEM, DAW, and CSW have played crucial roles in shaping the global agenda on women’s development and rights. By working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders, these agencies have helped push forward the cause of gender equality. Their legacy continues through UN Women, which combines their strengths and continues to work toward a more equal world for women and girls everywhere.