Women's groups: Pledging for gender equality by 2030 is not enough

UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
(Image credit: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)

It's been a big week for the ladies of the world thus far: The United Nations' annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) began in New York on Monday, following the celebration of International Women's Day on Sunday. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the landmark conference, the delegates put together a new declaration that outlined a commitment to achieve "full realization of gender equality and the empowerment of women by 2030."

This sounds like welcome news, so why are women's groups be upset? Labeling the plan unambitious, Women's Rights Caucus expressed concern that the bill was being watered down by certain states, saying it "represents a bland reaffirmation of existing commitments." As of Tuesday, almost 1,000 women's groups had signed their support to the statement.

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Stephanie Talmadge

Stephanie is an editorial assistant at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Modern Luxury Media.