As global conversations on gender justice continue to evolve, India’s representation at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 2026, held recently at the United Nations headquarters, brought the country’s perspective rooted in our cultural values.
With the central theme of “Justice for All Women and Girls” and a review focus on women’s participation in public life, this year’s discussions went beyond policy frameworks, touching upon the lived realities of women across societies.
Savitri Thakur, MoS, Women and Child Development, represented India in official meetings, a women's organisation Bharatiya Stree Shakti (BSS) actively participated in discussions and even organised a session on ‘AI on equal chance-levelling playing field’ as the new AI could be biased against women.
Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, national organising secretary BSS and Dr Jyoti Chauthaiwale, joint secretary, BSS, shared insights at the global platform, reflecting not only on international commitments but also on India’s unique social fabric.
Nayana Sahasrabuddhe pointed out a sobering reality: “Society is in a devastating mode.” She stressed that empowering women alone is not enough—there is an equally strong need to educate and sensitise men. The idea of synergy between men and women emerged as a recurring theme, suggesting that sustainable progress lies in collaboration, not conflict.
Their observations highlighted a crucial idea—while policies and representation matter, true empowerment often begins within the family.
India’s growing role in strengthening the Global South was evident in these discussions.
Delegates emphasised that voices from developing nations bring balance and inclusivity to global debates on rights and justice. Unlike purely individual-centric models of empowerment often seen in the West, Indian organisations such as Bhartiya Stree Shakti advocate for a family-centric approach—where empowerment does not isolate women but integrates them within the social structure.
The discussions also brought attention to the gaps in political representation. While women’s participation at the grassroots level in India has reached approximately 37 per cent, their presence in higher legislative bodies remains limited at around 22 per cent. This contrast reflects both progress and the distance yet to be covered.
Despite these challenges, there was a sense of cautious optimism. Dr Jyoti Chauthaiwala noted, “We are evolving every year”, reinforcing the idea that change, though gradual, is constant.
The announcement of 2026 as the “Year of Women Farmers” by the United Nations further underscores the growing recognition of women’s contributions in sectors often overlooked.
What stood out in these global exchanges was the acknowledgement that absolute equality remains an ideal rather than a universal reality. Cultural contexts continue to shape the experiences of women differently across countries. In India, the family system—often debated—was presented not as a barrier, but as a potential strength when made more inclusive and supportive.
Ultimately, the conversations at CSW 2026 centred on the idea that women’s empowerment was not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is a continuous process shaped by culture, policy, and human relationships.
As Sahasrabuddhe and Chauthaiwala suggested, the path forward lies not just in global commitments, but in everyday changes—within homes and families.
