The sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). This session was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025, with representatives from Member States, United Nations entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the globe.
Main Focus of CSW69
A primary focus of CSW again was the push by radical feminist groups to include language in the Resolutions advocating for “women’s reproductive rights,” a phrase which encompass abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy, government funding for such procedures, and the removal of restrictions. However, our voices on the damage to women, and the humanity of life before birth were heard, as many delegates opposed these proposals.
Consequently, their language was not included in the Resolutions. The session also sought to advance the Beijing
Platform for Action, with an emphasis on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our delegation underscored the message that true gender equality and global peace must begin in the womb.
Highlights from Our Participation
This year, although 20 participants registered with us for CSW69, we were joined by a dedicated team of nine individuals. Among them was Dr. Martha Shuping, a psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health, particularly in relation to the aftermath of abortion. Her insights on the emotional toll of abortion brought a vital perspective to our session, held at the Hilton
Millennium Hotel, conveniently located across from the United Nations. The room was packed with attendees, highlighting the significance of our message. Denise Mountenay, serving as moderator, delivered a compelling talk on the miracle of life from conception, touching upon the links between abortion and breast cancer, the risks of preterm birth, and sharing a brief personal testimony. Additionally, Melody Stefanson and Maria Lee from Canada
courageously shared their own stories, shedding light on the impact of abortion on women’s lives. Maria encouraging listeners to support single moms with practical help and love.
International Contributions
We were honored to have Eunice Mwongera and Pastor John Parit from Kenya, whose ministries provide vital support to women, girls, orphans, and widows. They are actively combatting the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) across Africa and other regions, rescuing girls from this harmful practice while offering Christ-centered education and practical assistance.
Our delegation also included Andrew Yavoich and Joshua Vaughan from the United States, pro-life advocates leveraging social media to engage in constructive dialogue with pro-choice individuals, encouraging them to rethink their views through critical thinking and truth. Becca Ejifoma, a journalist from Nigeria, and Anne Barrett-Belanger, an expert on Natural Family Planning, further enriched our team’s contributions.
During our time at the UN, we connected with many individuals from Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Africa, Mexico, Ecuador, Israel, the United States, Europe, Turkey, and other regions, sharing the truth about the impact of abortion on women and emphasizing the humanity of life before birth.
Reception and Acknowledgment
Our Parallel Event concluded with enthusiastic applause. Many attendees expressed their gratitude, with some remarking that it was the best session they had attended all week. To God be the glory for this success!
Report by Denise Mountenay
Chief Administrative Officer Endeavour Forum Inc.
In Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC