From March 10 – 17 JISRA and fifteen women of faith leaders joined thousands of global leaders, civil society representatives, UN agencies and member states in New York, for the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). It served as a historic moment for JISRA partners to highlight the critical role of women religious leaders in advancing gender equality, peace, and freedom of religion and belief.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the leading global forum for advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Held annually at the United Nations headquarters, the CSW brings together UN member states, civil society, and international organizations to evaluate progress, share challenges, and shape global policy. This year’s session – the 69th – held particular significance, as it marked 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action. This landmark agreement identified 12 critical areas of concern and laid out concrete steps for governments to promote gender equality worldwide.
JISRA mission to CSW69
JISRA (Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action), an international consortium lead by Mensen met een Missie, brought a powerful delegation of fifteen women faith leaders to New York. These women, religious leaders from countries including Indonesia, Nigeria, Mali, and Kenya, are deeply rooted in their communities and work daily to challenge harmful practices, promote gender justice, and foster peaceful coexistence. Our goal at CSW69 was to amplify their voices, spotlight the intersection of religion and gender justice, and ensure that policy discussions reflect the lived realities and leadership of women.
A historic session in turbulent times
This year’s CSW was especially significant because it unfolded against a backdrop of rising backlash against gender equality. Several governments that once championed women’s rights have adopted more conservative stances, and efforts to undermine hard-won gains were visible — even during negotiations at the UN. In some sessions, certain member states pushed to replace language on gender equality with so-called ‘family values,’ while blocking progressive commitments. Despite this, the global gender justice movement showed resilience. The resulting outcome document, though more limited than what was aimed for, was still a victory of consensus and solidarity. In this shifting landscape, the presence and voices of women faith leaders felt more necessary—and more powerful—than ever.
High-level engagement and packed events
Over the course of a week and a half, the JISRA delegation organized and took part in several high-impact events, drawing strong attention from UN institutions, government missions, and civil society networks.
- On the opening day, JISRA co-organized a Multi-Faith High-Level Reception with the Multifaith Gender Working Group of the Multi Faith Advisory Council to the UN and partners such as ACT Alliance and PaRD. The reception brought together a rich mix of religious institutions, UN organizations, and diplomatic missions — including representatives from Austria, Buddhist and Taoist leaders, and members of the Progressive Muslim network. The event underscored the value of faith in advancing human rights, peace, and gender equality — and the critical role of women’s leadership within that movement.
- A major milestone was our event with UNDP, the Dutch Permanent Mission, and the Somali Mission. Opened by Dutch Gender Ambassador Peter Derrek Hof, UNDP’ Assistant Secretary-General Shoko Noda, and a representative from the Somali Ministry of Gender, the session highlighted how women faith leaders contribute to peace, justice, and gender equality. Noda captured it well: “Faith is a powerful force for social transformation, reaching into parts of communities in ways that policies cannot.” Hof also praised the work of women faith leaders in Kenya. The event received strong recognition, including a feature on the UNDP website and praise from UN leadership on social media.
- Another highlight was the official UN side event, which we co-hosted with the Indonesian government at the UN headquarters. Ambassador Hari Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive women’s leadership and the role of faith in advancing the Beijing Platform for Action. CEDAW vice-chair Bandana Rana and Special Envoy Pattimasang delivered strong messages, with Rana stating: “Women faith leaders hold the key to simultaneously countering entrenched cultural norms, advancing religious freedom, and promoting gender equality.” A panel of women faith leaders shared stories on challenging harmful practices and mediating conflict. The room was packed, people queued outside, and the session ended with rare, heartfelt applause after Rick van der Woud’s closing words.
Insightful contributions and growing recognition for women faith leaders
Throughout the week, JISRA partners and women faith leaders met with permanent missions and representatives from countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria and members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. At these meetings, they shared stories from the frontlines: how they use interfaith dialogue to reduce violence, reinterpret sacred texts through a gender-just lens, and mediate sensitive reintegration processes for former combatants.
These stories captivated audiences and offered concrete, locally driven solutions to global challenges. The feedback was consistently enthusiastic. Government representatives and multilateral stakeholders praised JISRA for creating a platform where religion becomes a force for justice rather than oppression.
Impact and outcomes
The presence of JISRA at CSW69 seriously raised the international visibility of women religious leaders and their unique capacity to foster change. The impact was felt on multiple levels. For many governments and multilateral organizations, the events we organized and the stories the women religious leaders shared opened new perspectives on how religious actors —especially women— can be agents of transformation. The presence of women of faith leaders challenged the misconception that religion and gender equality are incompatible, and instead showed how inclusive religious leadership can help dismantle harmful practices from within.
The internal impact was equally profound. The experience allowed the women of faith not only to connect with policymakers, but also to connect deeply with each other. They exchanged tools, stories and lessons, built trust, and began forming alliances that could spark future cross-country initiatives. In a global context where civic space is shrinking and gender justice is under threat, this kind of transnational solidarity is more than valuable — it is essential.
A shared journey, a lasting bond
Besides professional development, the time in New York also signified a deeply emotional and empowering journey for the women faith leaders. As one of them said, when asked what attending CSW69 meant to her: “Now I no longer feel alone.” In that one sentence, she captured the heart of this mission. The power of connection. The strength of solidarity. And the importance of ensuring that women of faith are seen, heard, and supported—locally, nationally, and globally.
Our time at CSW69 affirmed what JISRA has long stood for: inclusive change happens when those most affected lead the conversation. Women of faith leaders are not just contributors to global dialogue—they are shaping the future of faith, peace, and gender equality. With boldness and compassion, they showed the world what it means to lead from belief—and with hope.
