The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held from March 9 to 19, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The session focused on advancing access to justice for all women and girls through the development of legal frameworks and supportive policies aimed at achieving inclusive justice.
The Kingdom was represented by a high-level delegation led by the Family Affairs Council, headed by H.E. Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, Secretary-General of the Council. It included representatives from several national entities, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Human Rights Commission, as well as representatives from the non-profit sector and youth.
As part of the CSW session’s proceedings, the Kingdom participated in a number of high-level discussions and international dialogues addressing issues of women’s empowerment and enhancing women’s and girls’ access to justice. It also took part in ministerial round table events that discussed topics such as family justice, strengthening protection from violence, and empowering women, which contributed to the exchange of international expertise and experiences in these fields.
In parallel, the kingdom hosted a side event titled “When Legislation Leads Empowerment,” in partnership with several countries and international organizations. The event highlighted the Kingdom’s national experience in advancing legislative and policy frameworks that support women’s empowerment and enhance their participation across various areas of development.
During the event, the Saudi delegation showcased key achievements in women’s empowerment, including the progress in women’s economic participation, which reached approximately 34% in 2025, with women’s participation in the labor market approaching 35%. The event also emphasized legislative advancements and the digital transformation of judicial systems, both of which have helped women and girls get better access to justice.
The representative from the Ministry of Justice presented recent legislative developments and digital transformation efforts within the judicial system, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development highlighted policies and programmes supporting women’s empowerment and strengthening social protection.
The Saudi delegation members also participated in the interactive dialogue on women’s full and effective participation in public life and decision-making, as well as on efforts to combat violence and empower women. Additionally, the Kingdom highlighted its efforts in international cooperation and knowledge exchange on women’s empowerment, along with its experience in national frameworks and institutional mechanisms for protecting women’s rights and addressing violence against women.
The Commission on the Status of Women is one of the functional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It plays a central role in monitoring global progress on women’s issues and in shaping international policies and standards that support women’s empowerment and their participation in development.
