The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) brought governments, unions and civil society together in New York from 9-19 March 2026, at a critical moment for women’s rights.
This year’s priority theme – ensuring access to justice for all women and girls – comes amid growing global attacks on equality, alongside rapid changes in the world of work driven by the climate crisis, new technologies and economic instability. For women transport workers, these pressures are deepening inequalities.
Women trade unionists once again formed part of the Global Unions delegation, coordinated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The ITF delegation included Meryem Halouani, Chair of the ITF Women Transport Workers’ Committee; Jessica Isbister, Dockers’ Section Women’s Representative; Céline Ruffie, ITF Executive Board member, and Claire Clarke from the ITF Women’s Department.
Justice at work is central The Global Unions’ joint statement to CSW70, Access to justice for women in the world of work, makes clear how access to justice for women sustains peace and democracy, is a direct means of implementing women’s labour rights, and that economic justice for women starts with decent work.
The Agreed Conclusions adopted at CSW70 include several commitments in line with trade union priorities – for example, commitments on labour rights, the care economy, and gender-responsive justice systems, and recognition of trade unions as key actors in promoting access to justice. The text also recognises multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, as well as structural and systemic barriers, as major impediments to gender equality.
However, negotiations exposed ongoing resistance. Several provisions were weakened by references to implementation being “subject to national law,” particularly on girls’ rights. Access to justice related to sexual and reproductive health and rights remained highly contentious. The Conclusions were adopted by vote for the first time, with the United States opposing and tabling a separate resolution that was not adopted questioning the very concept of ‘gender equality’.
ITF voices at CSW70
ITF representatives played an active role throughout the session. At a civil society Townhall with the UN Secretary-General, ITF Executive Board and Women’s Committee
member Céline Ruffie called for stronger commitments to include young women leaders in decision-making.
At a Global Unions parallel event on “Reimagining Justice: Decent Work for Women,” Jessica Isbister highlighted the ITF’s work on supply chains: “When women workers organise, when unions expose abuses, and when global supply chains are held responsible for their workers, we can move closer to a world where decent work and justice is truly available to all women.”
Meryem Halouani, Chair of the ITF Women Transport Workers’ Committee, said:
For women transport workers, access to justice means being safe at work, being heard, and having the power to claim our rights. Through our unions, we are organising to break down the barriers that still deny women equality and dignity.”
Driving change through solidarity
Despite political tensions, CSW70 reaffirmed the essential role of trade unions in advancing women’s rights. For the ITF and its affiliates, the focus now is clear: turning commitments into action through organising, solidarity and continued pressure for change.
