Canada Takes Bold Stand at UNCSW 70 as Minister Rechie Valdez Leads Global Push for Women’s Justice

Canada is preparing to take a prominent role on the global stage as The Honourable Rechie Valdez leads the Canadian delegation to the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 70) in New York City from 9–19 March 2026. The high-profile international gathering will bring together governments, organisations and activists from around the world to tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing women and girls today.

This year’s session carries particular significance. The priority theme of UNCSW 70 focuses on strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, emphasising inclusive and equitable legal systems, the elimination of discriminatory laws, and the removal of structural barriers that continue to prevent many women from fully exercising their rights.

Canada’s delegation will highlight the country’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Officials will also showcase national policies and partnerships designed to advance equal rights and ensure women can participate fully in political, economic and social life.

Canada’s Role in a Global Movement for Gender Equality

The Commission on the Status of Women remains the world’s principal intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to advancing gender equality. Established in 1946, the commission has served for decades as a central forum where countries assess progress, set global standards and coordinate international action for women’s rights.

Canada has been part of the commission since its creation and continues to play an active role in shaping its agenda. The country’s preparations for the annual meeting are led by Women and Gender Equality Canada in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada.

At UNCSW 70, Minister Valdez will represent Canada’s efforts to promote inclusive policies, share best practices and strengthen international collaboration. The Canadian delegation will participate in discussions, side events and negotiations that aim to translate commitments into practical measures that improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.

Focus on Justice Systems and Structural Barriers

The central theme of this year’s UNCSW meeting reflects a pressing global concern: women’s access to justice remains deeply unequal in many parts of the world. While progress has been made in areas such as education and health, legal systems still fail to provide fair and accessible protection for millions of women.

Global statistics reveal the scale of the problem. In 2026, women possess only 64 per cent of the legal rights that men hold worldwide. Across key areas of life — including employment, financial independence, personal safety, family law, property ownership, mobility, entrepreneurship and retirement security — women often face systemic disadvantages.

These inequalities are not only legal issues; they have wider economic and social consequences. When women cannot access justice or protect their rights, their ability to contribute fully to society is restricted. Experts emphasise that improving legal equality strengthens communities, economies and democratic institutions.

During the UNCSW discussions, delegates will explore ways to reform discriminatory laws, improve legal institutions and ensure justice systems serve women and girls effectively.

Reviewing Progress Since UNCSW 65

Alongside the priority theme, the session will also evaluate progress related to the review theme adopted during the sixty-fifth session of the commission. That earlier agreement emphasised two critical goals: ensuring women’s full participation in public life and eliminating violence against women and girls.

These issues remain deeply interconnected with access to justice. Women’s ability to participate in decision-making roles — whether in government, business or community leadership — often depends on the protection of their rights and their confidence in legal systems.

Canada’s delegation will highlight national progress in these areas, including policies aimed at increasing women’s representation in leadership positions and strengthening responses to gender-based violence.

A Broad and Diverse Canadian Delegation

One defining feature of Canada’s participation in UNCSW 70 is the diversity of its delegation. The group represents a wide range of voices from across the country, reflecting a commitment to collaborative policymaking and inclusive dialogue.

The delegation includes federal parliamentarians and government officials, as well as representatives from provincial and territorial governments. National Indigenous leaders and representatives will also participate, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are part of international discussions on gender equality.

Civil society organisations play an essential role in the delegation. Their inclusion ensures that community expertise and grassroots experience inform Canada’s position at the global forum.

The civil society representatives joining Canada’s delegation this year include:

• Nilou Abrishami from the North Shore Women’s Centre
• Alisa Tukkimäki representing the End Female Genital Mutilation Canada Network
• Emilie Coyle from the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies
• Anathalie Jean-Charles of Transit Secours Quebec and Shelter Movers
• Ruchika Gothoskar of the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre
• Magnolia Perron from the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association

These organisations work on issues ranging from violence prevention and justice reform to economic empowerment and Indigenous leadership.

Their participation highlights Canada’s belief that meaningful gender equality progress requires cooperation between governments, communities and advocacy groups.

Civil Society Voices Shape Policy Direction

Civil society organisations have long played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights, both domestically and internationally. By including CSO representatives in its official delegation, Canada aims to ensure their perspectives influence negotiations and policy discussions at the UN.

These organisations bring valuable knowledge from frontline work with survivors of violence, marginalised communities and vulnerable populations. Their experience helps policymakers understand how legal systems operate in practice and where improvements are most urgently needed.

Their contributions also ensure that global policy commitments reflect real-world experiences rather than purely theoretical frameworks.

Confidence in Justice Systems Remains Uneven

Despite ongoing reforms, surveys suggest that many women still feel uncertain about the fairness of legal institutions. According to the 2023 National Justice Survey, men were more confident than women that criminal and civil justice systems are fair and accessible.

This confidence gap highlights continuing challenges. Experts argue that improving access to justice requires not only legal reform but also public trust. Women must believe that institutions will respond fairly and effectively when they seek legal protection.

Discussions at UNCSW 70 will therefore explore ways to strengthen transparency, accountability and accessibility within justice systems worldwide.

International Women’s Day and the Global Equality Agenda

The opening of UNCSW 70 closely follows International Women’s Day on 8 March, a moment when governments and organisations worldwide reflect on progress toward gender equality.

For Canada, advancing equality is closely tied to economic development and social stability. When women have equal access to justice, education and employment, societies become more productive and resilient.

Policymakers emphasise that inclusive systems benefit everyone. If legal frameworks exclude or disadvantage certain groups, societies cannot reach their full potential.

A Global Platform for Change

The discussions and agreements emerging from UNCSW 70 will influence policies around the world. While the commission itself does not create binding laws, its conclusions often shape national legislation, international cooperation and global development programmes.

Canada’s delegation hopes to contribute constructively to these discussions, advocating for policies that protect rights, promote inclusion and empower women and girls.

As governments gather in New York for this milestone session, the central message remains clear: access to justice is fundamental to achieving true gender equality.

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