By Nyang’au Araka
Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri is in New York for the 70th session of the global Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The leaders will be discussing ways to strengthen justice systems for women and girls.
Okenyuri announced her participation after arriving for the annual gathering that brings together policymakers, civil society groups and UN agencies to address gender equality issues worldwide.
“Arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70),” Okenyuri wrote in an update shared during the event.
She noted that discussions at the conference focus heavily on justice systems and the barriers women and girls face in accessing legal protection.
“The quest for access to justice for women and girls is layered and complex since it is shaped by law, policy, culture and everyday realities that many live in,” she said.
“As global leaders and policymakers convene, the focus is to strengthen systems that uphold rights and ensure that women and girls access justice.”
Earlier, Okenyuri said she was looking forward to engaging with global leaders on this year’s theme, which emphasizes strengthening inclusive and equitable legal systems.
“This year’s theme directly speaks to the urgency to dismantle structural hurdles, eliminate discriminatory laws and set up inclusive legal systems that protect the rights and dignity of every woman and girl child,” she stated.
The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. It operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council and plays a key role in monitoring global commitments such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
During the two-week session, UN member states review progress on gender equality commitments while proposing new actions to accelerate the protection of women’s rights worldwide.
While in New York, Okenyuri also said she plans to hold discussions with members of the Kenyan diaspora community.
