New York, March 2027 · in preparation
The UN Council is choosing WCI's theme and speakers.
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ECOSOC & CSW
A seat at the table: since June 24, 2020, WCI has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
What it means
We take part in the work of ECOSOC and its bodies, and every March we attend the Commission on the Status of Women in New York as an accredited NGO.
About ECOSOC
One of the six main organs of the United Nations, founded in 1945. It coordinates the UN’s economic, social and environmental work and brings governments, experts and NGOs to one table.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The UN’s main body for gender equality, founded in 1946. It meets for two weeks every March at UN Headquarters, and WCI hosts a parallel event through the NGO CSW Forum.
Protocols for our consultative status
Every WCI club and member follows these rules. Breaking them can cost WCI its status.
- The status brings no tax exemption, fundraising rights, travel benefits, diplomatic passport or immunity.
- Never use the UN logo on personal or club stationery, cards, websites, vehicles or buildings.
- Any misuse, including acts against the UN Charter or politically motivated acts against UN Member States, leads to suspension.
WCI at the NGO CSW Forum
Two parallel events, March 13 and 16, 2026
A live event with five partner organizations, including NAWO, on access to justice through education, and a virtual event on overcoming barriers to gender parity with 113 participants. Speakers included Oualae Alalami of the Arab International Women’s Forum and Tapasi Ray of Nanritam.
Two parallel events, March 13 and 17, 2025
A live event at the Church Center for the United Nations with the International Council of Women and KIWP, “Empowerment of Women in Politics and Economy Beyond the Beijing Declaration”, with speaker Justina Mutale; and an online event, “The Impact of Transformative Leadership and Meaningful Practices on Women and Girls”, with 102 participants.
Virtual forum, March 10–22, 2024 · with Zonta
Our first joint parallel event with Zonta District 31, attended by about 125 people.
Parallel event, New York, March 6–17, 2023
WCI’s first parallel event, held online on March 7, 2023: “Empowering Women and Girls through Friendship, Understanding, and Education Beyond Borders in the Digital Age”, with six panelists from five regions and 119 participants from 19 countries. Six WCI delegates attended CSW in New York.
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WCI clubs help shape our work at the Commission on the Status of Women.