On 9-11 March 2026, the Alliance for Parliamentarians on Health and Equality Action (Alphea) led a parliamentary delegation to the 70th session of the annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. 9 Parliamentarians from 8 countries around the world joined Alphea in highlighting the critical link between justice, bodily autonomy and democratic accountability. At this year's Commission, themed "Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers", the delegation built cross-regional alliances: to protect rights, sustain political commitment and promote adequate investment in women’s and girls’ empowerment worldwide.

Against the backdrop of growing global backlash on women’s rights and shrinking space for civil society, the delegation engaged with fellow Parliamentarians, governments, UNFPA and major civil society actors to advance access to justice, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Amongst other things the Parliamentarians partook in a panel side-event hosted by Canadian Senator McPhedran on the dangerous trend of women being driven out of the public life through increasing hate and threats. They also exchanged with UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Diene Keita sharing their vision on UN80 reform and reaffirming the shared commitment to a unique UNFPA mandate. The Alphea delegation meeting with the progressive leaders of the "No Kings" sparked lively discussion on the powers of grassroots movements led by women, importance of citizens leadership and cross sectoral partnerships for democracy. Alphea delegates contributed as speakers and participants to a high-level event hosted by the French delegation addressing the rise of masculinist movements and their impact on gender equality, highlighted the need for stronger political responses to counter anti-rights narratives.

Historic Vote on Agreed Conclusion Paints a Picture

This year's Commission on the Status of Women came with a first: For the first time in history, the Agreed Conclusions - including commitments to better sexual reproductive health and rights and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence - were not adopted by consensus. 37 member states voted in favour, only one voted against - the United States of America. While this can still be considered a win with an overwhelming majority of member states working constructively toward a robust outcome and rejecting attempts to dilute existing standards, it also shows the current fragile climate for SRHR. Especially given that the final agreed conclusion was missing concepts of relating to bodily autonomy, reproductive violence and conflict-related sexual violence.

"This is not a small detail, but a clear break with the past. It shows that countries are less and less aligned on the direction forward. Even with continued support for the agreement, it becomes clear how fragile progress can be." (Hon. Goedele Liekens, Belgian Senator, Alphea-Vice President)

Amidst growing backlash Alphea calls on Parliamentarians, governments and major civil society actors around the world to keep fighting for rights, sustain political commitment and promote adequate investment in women’s and girls’ empowerment worldwide.