Next week, governments, UN organizations, and civil society groups will gather in New York for the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) – the leading global platform for gender equality and women’s rights. This year marks a special milestone: 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic commitment by governments to advance the rights of women and girls worldwide. While policymakers reflect on progress, the reality in many parts of the world is that structural inequality and exclusion persist. Mensen met een Missie and JISRA will highlight in New York that women of faith are at the frontline of this struggle—often as powerful advocates for gender equality—yet they remain overlooked in policy processes.
JISRA (Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action) is a partnership—led by Mensen met een Missie—dedicated to promoting peace and freedom of religion or belief. With a delegation of Women of Faith and young religious leaders from various countries, JISRA will travel to New York next week to engage with UN policymakers, government representatives, and civil society organizations. Through their work in communities worldwide, these religious women and young leaders will demonstrate how faith can contribute to gender equality and peace—and why their leadership deserves recognition and support.
JISRA’s events at the CSW
During the two-week gathering in New York, JISRA will host several key events, including both side events and official CSW events at the UN headquarters. These events will spotlight interfaith collaboration and emphasize the role of female religious leaders in gender justice, peace, and security.
- March 10 – Multi-Faith High-Level Reception
Faith communities can create barriers, but they can also build bridges and challenge deeply rooted social norms. Female leaders are at the heart of their faith communities and know what works. However, they need a seat at the table so their insights and contributions are recognized in the fight for gender equality.
That is why, on the opening day of CSW69, we will bring together UN representatives, government leaders, and civil society organizations for an interfaith dialogue on the role of faith in advancing women’s rights. Now—at a time when trust in international cooperation is eroding and women’s rights are under threat in many countries—this meeting is more crucial than ever.
Organized by JISRA in collaboration with the Gender Working Group of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development, ACT Alliance, and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD). - March 11 – Roundtable: Partnering for Change, Best Practices in Working with Faith Actors to Uphold Women’s and Girls’ Human Rights
Faith communities play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and human rights, but how can organizations and policymakers effectively collaborate with faith actors to achieve sustainable change? This event brings together experts and practitioners to share best practices on how partnerships with faith communities can drive tangible progress for women’s and girls’ rights.
Organized by JISRA and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD). - March 11 – Roundtable: Women of Faith Advancing Beijing+30
How are female religious leaders working to turn the promises of the Beijing Declaration into reality? This roundtable brings together grassroots advocates fighting gender inequality on the local level. They will share insights on how religious leadership can be a catalyst for women’s rights, peace, and security—and how policies and legislation can better align with the lived realities of women in faith communities.
This event is not just a reflection on 30 years of Beijing but also a clear call to action: governments must recognize the influence of female religious leaders as a force for change.
Organized by UNDP, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Federal Republic of Somalia, and JISRA. - March 12 – JISRA Parallel Event: Faith, Empowerment & Equality
Faith and gender equality are often seen as opposing forces, but in reality, they can go hand in hand. While faith has sometimes been used to justify inequality, it can also be the key to transformation. Every day, female religious leaders demonstrate how faith serves as a source of strength and empowerment in the fight for equality.
This JISRA event will highlight female and young religious leaders. Through personal stories and real-life examples, they will show how faith has empowered them in their struggle for equality, peace, and security. This session will provide space for open conversations and the sharing of best practices, equipping organizations and policymakers with concrete tools to collaborate with female faith leaders in their policies and programs. - March 17 – Republic of Indonesia & JISRA Official Side Event
How do we translate the commitments of the Beijing Declaration into concrete action? This official CSW side event, co-organized with the Indonesian government, will bring together international decision-makers and female religious leaders to develop practical strategies for sustainable impact. The focus will be on the power of female religious leadership in addressing gender-based violence and promoting structural equality, peace, and security.
This event is not just about discussing change—it is about taking concrete action and developing strategies to turn the Beijing commitments into tangible results, regardless of political obstacles.
Faith as a driver of change
Through these events, JISRA is sending a strong message: female religious leaders are not the exception—they are the driving force behind gender justice. In a world where gender equality is under pressure, religious networks provide a unique foundation for lasting change.
