Global Advocates Unite at CSW69: A Resilient Movement Rises for Abortion Rights
26th March 2025
The fight for safe abortion rights is facing unprecedented challenges worldwide. From funding cuts to legal rollbacks, conflict, and regressive policies, the ability to provide essential abortion care is increasingly threatened.
Yet, amidst these challenges, the global abortion rights community has shown extraordinary resilience. At the recent 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York City, leading advocates, policymakers, and practitioners gathered for the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue (GSAD) - “Advancing Abortion Rights and Access: Strengthening Our Resilient Movement.” This powerful event served as a rallying point for political support, advocacy, and strategic collaboration to advance global safe abortion access.
A Pivotal Moment: 30 Years After Beijing
The event, co-organised by SheDecides and other members of the GSAD took place at a pivotal moment, marking the 30th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), which enshrined reproductive rights as fundamental human rights. Over 100 prominent advocates, policymakers, practitioners, thought leaders, and donors from governments, the United Nations, civil society, and healthcare providers from around the world convened to reaffirm the centrality of abortion rights as human rights, and as essential to achieving gender equality.
Political Support Shines Through
The high-level event featured a powerful lineup of ministerial and government leaders, underscoring the global commitment to safe abortion in advancing gender equality. Speakers included H.E. Magnus Heunicke, Minister of Environment and Minister for Gender Equality Denmark; H.E. Ms Leonie Kandolo Omoyi, Minister of Gender, Family and Children, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Padma Raman, Executive Director, Office for Women, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australia; Ambassador Arlene Beth Tickner, Ambassador at-large for Gender Issues and Feminist Global Policy, Colombia; H.E. Sisisi Tolashe, Minister of Social Development, South Africa and Baroness Harriet Harman, Special Envoy for Women and Girls, United Kingdom. Their participation highlighted political support for abortion rights and this time of pushback, showcasing the critical role of governments in shaping pro-choice policies.
Global Advocacy and Resilience
Representatives from leading international organizations, including ARROW, IPAS, La Mesa por la Vida y la Salud de las Mujeres, MSI Reproductive Choices, Reproductive Health Network Kenya, Rutgers, SheDecides, also contributed insights, reinforcing the global advocacy for reproductive rights and the right to choose.
Voices From the Dialogue
H.E. Magnus Heunicke, Minister of Environment and Minister for Gender Equality Denmark
“Two years ago, Denmark marked 50 years of legal abortion. Now, the Danish Parliament is voting on extending the legal limit from 12 to 18 weeks and allowing 15- to 18-year-olds access without parental consent. And we are strengthening the right and access to support and counselling to women considering an abortion. The fight for women’s rights is far from over.”
Ambassador Arlene Beth Tickner, Ambassador at-large for Gender Issues and Feminist Global Policy, Colombia
“It is essential to combat the disinformation that is being spread about abortion and sexual and reproductive rights. However, I find hope in the many women’s and feminist organisations worldwide holding governments accountable. Supporting and engaging with these groups is crucial to ensuring they can continue their fundamental work in safeguarding these rights around the world.”
Nelly Munyasia, Reproductive Health Network, Kenya
“We have seen a vocal movement of anti-rights groups in Kenya; they are even trying to infiltrate the judiciary. This translates to healthcare providers facing frequent arrests and police harassment for delivering care for women. This isn’t just a legal battle, it’s a fight for women’s lives.”
Karin Nilsson, Executive Director of SheDecides
“In global spaces like CSW, in our parliaments, in our communities and at home, we should not be afraid to speak about abortion. When we self-censor on abortion, we play into the hands of the opposition.”
Harriet Harman, Special Envoy for Women and Girls, United Kingdom
“We stand here together because we know that protecting and progressing sexual and reproductive health and rights is not just the right thing to do – it is what women want – an that should be enough.”
Sisisi Tolashe, Minister of Social Development Nokuzola, South Africa
“South Africa has one of the most progressive legislative and policy frameworks for abortion rights, rooted in human rights, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy. No stigma, no barriers – only the dignity and respect you deserve.”
Sajja Singh – Right Here Right Now/ ARROW Asia Pacific, Nepal
“Through strong and cohesive alliances, especially in the context of global funding cuts and growing opposition, there is a greater need for networks to bring all abortion rights movement actors together.”
Andrea Alejandra Teceros Hans – MSI Bolivia
“I’m excited about innovations I see in abortion access across the world, particularly to reach excluded and marginalized women and girls. For example our telemedicine programme in Ghana and Mexico which allows for clients to consult with providers remotely ad receive medication by mail.”
Padma Raman, Executive Director, Office for Women, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australia
“Women’s right to bodily autonomy is a human right.”
Key Takeaways and Calls to Action
The event underscored that while the past 30 years have brought progress, the global assault on reproductive rights demands unwavering defense. Key outcomes included:
- Renewed calls for funders and policymakers to uphold their commitments to the abortion rights movement. Specifically, there were calls for funders to increase flexible, long-term funding for grassroots feminist organizations, and for policymakers to prioritize the removal of legal barriers to abortion access.
- Highlighting the resilience and innovation of the abortion rights movement, despite funding cuts and regressive policies.
- Sharing strategies and solutions to safeguard reproductive rights, such as the expansion of telemedicine to increase access to care.
Looking Ahead
As we mark 30 years of Beijing, let’s remember our vibrant history of resistance, powerful organising, and a proven track record of delivering real change. Together, we will continue to write that history, ensuring that the future reflects our unwavering commitment to choice.