Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, has departed Eswatini for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she will participate in the Ministerial Session of the Africa Pre-Commission on the Status of Women 70 Consultation (Pre-CSW70).
The high-level gathering brings together ministers responsible for gender, social development and women’s affairs from across the continent to deliberate on Africa’s collective priorities ahead of next year’s global summit on women’s rights.
The Ministerial Session forms a crucial part of continental preparations for the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), set to take place from 9–20 March 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Pre-CSW70 Consultation will serve as the platform where African states consolidate a unified stance, ensuring that the continent speaks with one strong, coordinated voice during global negotiations.
The meeting will focus on accelerating Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), with ministers expected to share the progress achieved in their respective countries, the persistent challenges that hinder advancement, and the key gaps that require strategic intervention. The discussions are aimed at refining Africa’s common position on women’s rights, access to opportunities, and the structural reforms needed to support women and girls across the continent.
Core themes expected to dominate deliberations include women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion, access to quality education, participation in leadership and decision-making, gender-responsive budgeting, and the impact of conflict, climate change and emerging global crises on women and girls. The Ministerial Session will also examine the role of digital innovation in advancing women’s empowerment and the need to protect women from cyber-violence and new forms of online discrimination.
The DPM’s participation underscores Eswatini’s commitment to fulfilling its regional and international gender obligations, as well as its efforts to strengthen national policies aimed at promoting gender equality. Her attendance aligns with government priorities to expand opportunities for women, enhance the protection of women and girls, and accelerate national progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Outcomes from the Pre-CSW70 consultations will shape Africa’s formal submission to the global CSW70 meeting, where member states will negotiate new commitments to advance gender equality worldwide. The consolidated African position is expected to champion practical, inclusive and transformative approaches that address both long-standing and emerging gender-related challenges.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
