Commission on the Status of Women CSW

As a commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the primary intergovernmental body committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Founded in June 1946, CSW has reframed standards on gender equality and advocated on behalf of women’s rights, including women’s healthcare, education, work accessibility, and gender-based violence. CSW comprises 45 member states that all work together to solve pressing issues that impede the livelihood of women.

TOPIC A: Addressing Radical Beauty Practices
Throughout history, women have faced rigid beauty standards. Conforming to these ideals has become a social expectation and necessity rather than a personal choice, as the failure to do so can lead to discrimination, mockery, and social exclusion. Although these superficial standards have changed over time, they continue to reinforce harmful pressures about acceptance within society. Today, individuals continue to entrench themselves in these radical practices, and the growing accessibility of social media and new cosmetics have intensified these pressures, particularly among younger demographics. Delegates will examine the societal forces that perpetuate these unrealistic beauty standards and explore solutions to mitigate the harm and lack of autonomy they may cause.

TOPIC B: Preventing Maternal Mortality
Childbirth has been a defining yet dangerous aspect of human life, with maternal mortality posing a persistent challenge across various societies. While medical advancements have reduced risks in some regions, many parts of the world continue to experience high rates of maternal death. These deaths are often preventable, yet they persist due to systematic inequalities in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In modern contexts, maternal mortality remains a pressing issue, even in developed countries, where disparities exist along racial, economic, and geographic lines. The persistence of these outcomes highlights gaps in healthcare systems, including insufficient prenatal and postnatal care, as well as failures in recognizing and addressing complications in a timely manner.