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uncsw
Study Guide (agenda b)
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Introduction to the IT UNCSW
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW)
is the principal global body dedicated to the promotion of gender
equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 1946, it
operates under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and
is instrumental in shaping global policies on women’s rights, social
inclusion, and gender-based issues.
Mandate
• Promote the full realization of gender equality in all
spheres of life.
• Monitor and advocate for the implementation of
international agreements and frameworks that support
women’s rights and leadership.
• Provide a platform for discussions on women's roles in
overcoming global challenges, including conflict
resolution, economic development, and environmental
sustainability.
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Topics to focus
• Women's Leadership in Political, Economic, and Social Spheres
• Women's Participation in Peace and Security Processes
• Gender Equality in Education and Employment
• Tackling Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination
• Women and Climate Change
• Intersectionality and Inclusivity in Women's Empowerment
Structure and membership
The UNCSW consists of 45 member states elected by ECOSOC, with
representation from all regions to ensure balanced participation:
Africa: 12 seats
Asia-Pacific: 11 seats
Latin America and the Caribbean: 9 seats
Western Europe and Others: 6 seats
Eastern Europe: 4 seats
The Commission holds an annual session in New York, where delegates
gather to adopt resolutions, discuss global issues, and take action to
advance women’s rights.
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Rules of procedure
In a Model United Nations (MUN) simulation, the following
procedures apply to UNCSW:
Formal Debate: Delegates present their country’s stance on
the agenda topic, engaging in structured discussions.
Moderated Caucus: Delegates discuss subtopics in more
focused, shorter time frames to build consensus.
Unmoderated Caucus: Informal negotiations take place for
drafting working papers or resolutions.
Draft Resolutions: Delegates collaborate to propose
solutions to address the agenda, which are then debated
and voted upon.
Voting Procedure: A simple majority vote is used to pass
resolutions unless otherwise specified.
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Introduction to agenda b
Topic: Promoting Women's Leadership in Global
Challenges
Background: Women have historically been underrepresented in
leadership roles, particularly in areas that shape global policy. Yet,
women’s leadership is crucial in addressing contemporary challenges
such as climate change, conflict, and sustainable development.
Empowering women to take leadership roles not only ensures greater
equity but also leads to better, more inclusive global solutions.
Key Issues
• Underrepresentation of women in decision-making processes at
global, national, and local levels.
• Gender-based barriers that prevent women from accessing
leadership positions, including cultural norms, discrimination, and lack
of support systems.
• Lack of access to education, healthcare, and financial resources that
disproportionately affects women’s leadership potential.
• The role of women in peace and security, and their inclusion in
peace negotiations and conflict resolution.
• Women's leadership in addressing global challenges like climate
change, economic instability, and pandemics.
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History of the topic
Over the years, there have been various international frameworks aimed at
promoting women’s rights and leadership, such as:
• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995): This document emphasized
the importance of women's leadership in all spheres, particularly in decision-
making roles.
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000): Recognized the
crucial role of women in peace and security and called for their participation in
peace processes.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 5 specifically focuses on
achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
• Recent Progress: While there have been significant advancements, women
remain underrepresented in leadership, especially in regions affected by
conflict, political instability, or cultural norms that hinder their participation.
Current Situation
Women’s leadership in global challenges is vital, but obstacles remain:
Political Participation: Women’s representation in political offices is still low,
particularly in high-level positions such as heads of state or ministers of
finance, defense, or foreign affairs.
Conflict Areas: Women are often excluded from peace negotiations and
conflict resolution despite their significant role in rebuilding post-conflict
societies.
Economic Leadership: Women are underrepresented in senior corporate
positions and leadership roles within financial institutions, limiting their
influence over global economic policies.
Climate Change: Women, especially in developing countries, face
disproportionate impacts from climate change, but they also possess key
insights into sustainable practices and solutions.
Technological Innovation: Women’s access to education and technology can
drive leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),
yet many face barriers that limit their participation in tech-driven global
challenges.
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Past Actions
The international community has undertaken various initiatives to
promote women’s leadership:
UN Women: A UN entity focused on gender equality, which has
supported initiatives to increase women’s leadership in political,
economic, and social spheres.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Recognizes the role of
women’s leadership in achieving all 17 SDGs, particularly in areas like
poverty alleviation, health, and environmental sustainability.
Regional Efforts: Many regional organizations, including the African
Union (AU) and European Union (EU), have implemented policies to
promote women's political participation and leadership.
Training and Capacity-Building: Programs by UN Women, the
International Labour Organization (ILO), and other UN agencies aim to
empower women through leadership training and mentorship programs.
Preparation for delegates
Research Guidelines
Country Policy: Understand your country’s stance on women’s leadership
and gender equality. Review national laws, policies, and previous
statements in UN forums.
International Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with key international
instruments such as the Beijing Platform for Action, UN Security Council
Resolutions, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Current Events: Stay updated on recent developments, such as female
leaders in global politics or initiatives focused on increasing women’s
participation in peacebuilding.
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Position Paper
Each delegate must submit a position paper that outlines:
Introduction: A brief overview of your country’s stance on the topic.
Current Challenges: Key issues related to women’s leadership
within your country’s context.
Proposed Solutions: Specific actions your country advocates to
promote women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.
Resources for delegates
UN Women Website: Key resources on women’s leadership and
empowerment.
UN Documents: Reports and resolutions related to women’s
participation in global decision-making.
Academic Journals: Research on women’s leadership in politics,
economics, and other sectors.
International Organizations:
UN Women
World Economic Forum (WEF)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
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Conclusion
The UNCSW provides a critical platform to address
global gender equality issues. As delegates, you have
the responsibility to represent your country’s
perspective, propose effective solutions, and
collaborate with others to promote women’s leadership
in overcoming global challenges. Through thorough
preparation, negotiation, and diplomacy, delegates can
make significant strides toward achieving gender
equality and empowering women globally.
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