CSW

The Commission on the Status of Women

(CSW)

Established:

1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Purpose:

Prepare recommendations and reports for ECOSOC on promoting women's rights in the political, economic, civil, social and educational fields

Other Work of the Commission:

Make recommendations to ECOSOC on urgent problems requiring immediate attention in the field of women's rights

Post Beijing Conference (1995) Mandate:

Mandated by the UN General Assembly to integrate into its programme a follow-up process to the Conference, regularly reviewing the critical areas of of concern in the Beijing Platform for Action (BPA) and developing its catalytic role in mainstreaming a gender perspective in UN activities.

Composition:

CSW consists of 45 members elected by ECOSOC

Term:

Four years

Member Appointments:

By governments

Basis of Election of the 45 Members:
 
13 from African states, 11 from Asian states, 4 from Eastern European states, 9 from Latin American and Caribbean states, and 8 from Western European and other states

Meetings:
 
The CSW meets annually for a period of 10 working days.