Youth Take the Lead at UN: Global Call for Equal Rights and Justice for Women and Girls

Young leaders from across the world took centre stage at the United Nations during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), delivering a clear and urgent message: justice must be equal, inclusive, and accessible to all women and girls—without exception.

At a high-level interactive dialogue held on 16 March, youth advocates joined government officials and civil society representatives to challenge systemic inequalities and push for reforms that reflect the lived realities of women and girls globally.

Justice Beyond the Courtroom

Participants emphasized that justice is not limited to legal systems—it also encompasses bodily autonomy, personal decision-making, and access to essential services, including healthcare and protection from violence.

The dialogue reinforced the CSW70 theme: strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, while highlighting that true justice begins long before a case reaches a courtroom.

"Youth are not just future leaders—they are driving change today," participants stressed, pointing to their growing role in shaping inclusive legal systems and challenging discriminatory norms.

Progress Made, but Deep Gaps Remain

While many countries have taken steps to strengthen laws addressing gender-based violence:

• 77% of countries now identify access to justice as a top priority

• 90% report legal reforms targeting violence against women

Yet, participants warned that legal progress has not translated into real-world outcomes.

Persistent barriers include:

• Discriminatory laws and institutional bias

• Harmful social norms and stigma

• Exclusion of marginalized groups, including LGBTIQ+ communities

• Limited access to safe, survivor-centered justice systems

Structural Inequality Still Blocks Access

Youth leaders highlighted how intersecting inequalities continue to prevent many from seeking justice:

• Rural women facing lack of transportation and services

• Women with disabilities encountering inaccessible systems

• Migrant women facing legal and language barriers

• Survivors unable to afford legal representation

Economic inequality and lack of financial independence were repeatedly cited as major obstacles.

"Structural reforms must create an environment where survivors can claim their rights safely, effectively, and with dignity," said youth representative Ekaterine Muzashvili of Georgia.

Youth-Led Solutions Driving Innovation

Young activists are not only identifying problems—they are leading solutions.

Key innovations discussed include:

• Digital platforms to expand access to legal information

• Online reporting tools for violence and abuse

• Community-based legal empowerment initiatives

However, speakers cautioned that technology must be inclusive and designed to avoid reinforcing digital divides, particularly for women and girls with limited internet access.

Role of Men and Boys in Transforming Systems

A notable theme was the critical role of men and boys in advancing gender equality.

Participants emphasized that:

• Addressing unequal power dynamics requires shared responsibility

• Men can act as allies in dismantling harmful norms

• Inclusive engagement strengthens long-term reform efforts

Youth Movements Under Pressure

Despite their growing influence, youth-led justice initiatives face significant challenges:

• Shrinking civic space in many countries

• Backlash against gender equality movements

• Limited and inconsistent funding

Speakers called for stronger institutional support, including sustained funding and partnerships with governments and international organisations.

Global Call for Action and Collaboration

Participants urged coordinated efforts across sectors to:

• Strengthen legal aid and survivor support systems

• Remove discriminatory laws and practices

• Invest in youth-led initiatives and leadership

• Ensure justice systems are inclusive, accessible, and accountable

"Justice does not begin in courtrooms. It begins in communities," said Sidra Riaz of Pakistan. "It begins when a girl knows her voice and her rights matter."

Youth Voices at the Heart of Global Reform

The dialogue underscored a critical shift in global policymaking: youth are no longer just stakeholders—they are central architects of change.

By bringing together diverse voices, the event reinforced the need for justice systems that reflect real-world experiences and empower women and girls at every level.

As CSW70 continues to shape global gender equality agendas, one message stands out: without youth leadership, there can be no lasting justice reform.