by Patricia A. DuCharme, DNP, RN, ANP-BC (guest)
Attending the 69th Commission on the Status of Women was a profoundly moving and urgent reminder of the unfinished business of gender equity. Over five packed days, I joined global changemakers to discuss what it takes to make structural progress for women and girls.
One standout session, hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers, highlighted Finland’s approach to a “well-being economy” and the crucial role nurses and midwives play in equitable care delivery. The message was clear: we need bold investments in maternal care, mobile health tech and policy changes that support women in the workforce and government, especially as anti-gender movements grow stronger.
Mental health was another recurring theme. In a powerful session featuring representatives from Israel, Serbia and Hungary, we heard sobering statistics on depression, violence and stigma. I was especially inspired by Serbia’s allocation of two-thirds of its gender equity budget to mental health and legal support. We must do more to train maternal mental health nurses, bring care into homes, and educate girls early about healthcare careers.
Digital harm and AI-driven abuse are fast-growing threats. In FAWCO’s sponsored presentation, Deepfake Digital Harm, the panel exposed how intimate images – real or AI-generated – are weaponized, often before victims even realize it. Solutions must be systemic, not survivor-burdened. Tech companies and legislators must partner with survivors to create enforceable protections and redefine consent in the digital age.
At the US Women’s Caucus, we explored domestic setbacks – especially in reproductive rights – but also celebrated the momentum to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. I left the room more committed to empowering women voters, mobilizing for policy change and uplifting health access as a pillar of civic participation.
One of the most heart-wrenching sessions was on Afghan women’s education. From the reduction of 39% of girls in school to a devastating 3% attendance rate today, the Taliban’s gender apartheid has crushed opportunity. The international community must not look away – we must fund underground education, offer digital scholarships and amplify Afghan women’s resistance.
Finally, the session on Women, Peace and Security reminded us that peace isn’t just a diplomatic concept – it’s a public health intervention. Including women in peace processes leads to more inclusive, community-centered solutions, bridging public health and diplomacy.
As a nurse leader, I leave CSW69 more convinced than ever that health, equity and peace are deeply interconnected – and that nurses and women must have a seat at every decision-making table.