CSW69: Amina Priscille Longo Outlines Chad’s Progress and Challenges in Gender Equality

As the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) unfolds at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (March 10–21, 2025), global leaders are taking stock of three decades of progress since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). 

The event serves as a critical moment for reviewing gender equality milestones, challenges, and strategies to accelerate women’s empowerment in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the 9th plenary session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), H.E. Amina Priscille Longoh, Chad’s Minister of Women and the Protection of Early Childhood, addressed global delegates, reaffirming the country’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Reflecting on three decades of progress since the Beijing Declaration, she outlined Chad’s key achievements, its vision for the future, and a call to action to sustain momentum.

Progress in Gender Equality

Minister Amina Priscille Longoh detailed Chad’s policy and legislative milestones, emphasizing how the government has strengthened women’s rights through five (5) priorities, which include constitutional reforms, legal protections, and institutional mechanisms:

1. Legal and Political Inclusion: Gender equality is enshrined in Chad’s constitution, with electoral laws guaranteeing equal civic and political rights. A National Gender Policy has been implemented, supported by an Observatory for Gender Equality, which tracks progress and ensures accountability.
2. Combating Gender-Based Violence: Chad has a national strategy against gender-based violence (GBV), backed by a decree outlining prevention, punishment of perpetrators, and reparations for victims. The government has also established multi-sectoral integrated service centers, offering comprehensive and free support for survivors.
3. Reproductive Health Advances: A National Health Policy prioritises women’s healthcare. A law on reproductive health, introduced in 2020, now allows life-saving medical interventions for women without prior spousal consent, removing a previous legal barrier.
4. Women’s Representation in Government: Chad has significantly increased women’s political participation:

• 32% of government positions are now held by women (up from 12% in 2011).
• 34.63% of national assembly seats are occupied by women (up from 15% in 2012).
• 39.13% of the Senate is now comprised of female legislators.

5. Economic Empowerment: The National Strategy for Women’s Entrepreneurship has spurred growth, leading to a rise in formalized women-led businesses from 4% in 2022 to 14% today. Women also dominate key informal economic sectors.

She also added that the country finally successfully transitioned politically after a decade of trying, holding five major elections in a single year, with a focus on inclusive governance.

A Vision for Women’s Strategic Leadership

Despite these gains in women’s rights, Minister Longoh sadly reminded the floor that systemic challenges persist, requiring sustained efforts to ensure women fully participate in Chad’s economic and political landscape. 

A Call for Renewed Global Commitment

Minister Longoh concluded with a stark reminder of the shrinking financial support for international development aid, warning of its severe consequences for developing nations.

“Unfortunately, 30 years after Beijing, we are taking stock of progress in a context where financing for international development aid has collapsed. Mr. Chair, we urge the re-establishment of this aid.”

She assured the global community that Chad remains steadfast in its pursuit of gender equality, calling on stronger international partnerships to sustain and accelerate progress.

Chad’s Role in CSW69 and the Beijing+30 Agenda

Chad’s report at CSW69 aligns with the broader objectives of the session:

1. Assessing the impact of the Beijing Declaration over the past three decades.
2. Identifying gaps and challenges in achieving gender equality.
3. Recommending strategies to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Writing by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent