BRUSSELS — Flemish Minister for Welfare and Equal Opportunities, Caroline Gennez (Vooruit), is set to depart for New York on Sunday for a three-day working visit to represent Belgium at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
The visit coincides with International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a landmark UN resolution that made concrete commitments to advancing gender equality worldwide.
Gennez’s agenda will focus on defending women’s rights and access to legal abortion, amidst what she describes as growing threats to these freedoms.
“Ongoing success is not guaranteed,” Gennez cautioned. “A global coalition of extremist, ultraconservative, and authoritarian forces wants to turn back the clock.”
Her remarks reflect concerns over the erosion of women’s rights in several regions, including the United States, where recent legislative changes have imposed stricter restrictions on abortion access.
The UN Commission on the Status of Women convenes annually to evaluate the progress made in promoting women’s rights globally.
This year’s gathering is particularly significant, marking three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, which set forth a comprehensive agenda for gender equality.
Despite the progress made since 1995, Gennez emphasized that many challenges persist, particularly concerning sexual and reproductive health rights.
In her address to the Commission, Gennez plans to advocate for the protection of women’s rights and the expansion of access to sexual education and reproductive healthcare, including contraception and safe, legal abortion.
Her statements are expected to underscore the importance of safeguarding these rights against regressive policies. The Minister’s visit will also include meetings with various advocacy groups, including those supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Gennez aims to build alliances and reinforce Belgium’s stance on gender equality and reproductive rights. Her efforts align with broader European Union policies that emphasize the protection of fundamental rights for women and minorities.
Gennez’s critique of restrictive abortion laws in the United States highlights a growing divide in international perspectives on women’s rights.
Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have significantly curtailed abortion access in several states, drawing condemnation from numerous European leaders who view these moves as setbacks to global progress on gender equality.
Political analysts suggest that Gennez’s participation in the UN Commission will serve to reaffirm Belgium’s commitment to gender equality on the global stage.
Her emphasis on coalition-building reflects a strategic approach aimed at countering the influence of conservative forces opposing women’s rights.
As discussions unfold in New York, the outcomes of this year’s Commission could signal the international community’s resolve to uphold the principles enshrined in the Beijing Declaration. For Gennez, the stakes are clear: ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected and advanced, not reversed.
