The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC);  a global policy-making body that is exclusively dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women(GEWE). The Commission was established by ECOSOC resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946 and is mandated to prepare recommendations on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields.

The commission annually brings together representatives of Member States, United Nations entities and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Session that is normally held for 10 days provides an opportunity to review progress, identify challenges, set global standards and norms and formulate policies on GEWE worldwide. Additionally the session provides an opportunity for policy makers, advocates, researchers and activists to network and strategize, mobilize, plan new initiatives and actions to further the cause of GEWE.