The third day of the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) saw parliamentarians and experts converge to discuss pressing issues surrounding women’s political participation and the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). The unveiling of the 2026 Women in Politics Map by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women indicated progress in parliamentary representation, albeit with concerning gaps.
Globally, women now occupy 27.5 percent of parliamentary seats. Yet, while the number of countries achieving gender-parity or women-majority parliaments has risen to seven, there remains a decline in female parliamentary speakers, dropping from 27 percent to 19.9 percent. Nations like Yemen, Oman, and Tuvalu still have no female representation in parliament. Luxembourg’s delegate pointed out that at the current rate of progress, achieving equal representation could take 75 years. IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson warned that when women are excluded from decision-making realms, democratic ideals are compromised.
Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, emphasized the distinction between numerical representation and substantive participation. Echoing her view, Bayr outlined critical reforms, including fostering non-hostile political spheres and accommodating caregiving roles in parliaments. The urgency was underscored by alarming data: a 2018 study revealed rampant abuse faced by women parliamentarians in Europe.
Efforts in countries like Moldova, which now sees 40 percent female parliamentary representation, exemplify progress. Such advancements are bolstered by legal measures like Kyrgyzstan’s new Labor Code, which dismantles gender-based occupational barriers, and reductions in U.S. states permitting child marriage. However, UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda highlighted the implementation gap: laws alone lack impact without rigorous enforcement.
The session also tackled the burgeoning threat of TFGBV under the banner “Policing the Pixel.” The digital realm has become a breeding ground for violence, with Alain Berset of the Council of Europe declaring no pixel should shield perpetrators from justice. Recent recommendations to curb this violence include the UK’s legislative move mandating tech companies to swiftly remove abusive content or face severe penalties.
Across the Americas, a Model Law on Gender-Based Digital Violence was recently enacted to strengthen legislative responses and foster international cooperation. Despite these efforts, the prevalence of digital stalking in femicide cases underscores the need for more robust recognition and response strategies, as stressed by law enforcement officials during the discussions.
The conference highlighted that the struggle for gender equality is being contested on multiple fronts, including traditional legislative arenas and expanding digital spaces. As reflected in the wider discourse, the trajectory towards gender equity remains challenged by entrenched resistance and the complex dynamics of a digital ecosystem that enables widespread abuse. More details on the discussions and outcomes from day three can be found here.