CSW70: WILPF Calls for Justice, Demilitarisation, and Structural Transformation

Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the world still faces the same intersecting systems of oppression—patriarchy, militarism, racism, colonialism, ableism, and capitalism—that prevent justice from reaching women and marginalised communities. In our statement, WILPF highlights how militarisation, economic exploitation, and discriminatory laws continue to deny not only rights but life itself.

We call for structural transformation, not incremental reform. Justice cannot exist within systems designed to exclude. Militarism must be dismantled, gender apartheid recognised and codified as an international crime, and international accountability mechanisms fully respected. Across the globe, from Afghanistan and Palestine to Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the consequences of militarised “justice” and systemic inequality are painfully clear.

Some key highlights of our statement include:

• Demilitarising justice systems: Redirecting military spending to independent, accessible, and gender-responsive judicial institutions, as well as to education, health, and social protection.
• Codifying gender apartheid as a crime under international law: Holding regimes accountable for systemic gender persecution, with a focus on Afghanistan as a stark example.
• Ensuring meaningful participation for women in transitional and constitutional processes: Supporting transformative justice that is retributive, restorative, and inclusive.
• Addressing economic, racial, and environmental injustices: Recognising that access to justice must tackle the root causes of inequality, from corporate power to climate devastation.
• Investing in feminist peace infrastructure: Funding women’s movements working on prevention, mediation, and non-violent conflict transformation.

WILPF reaffirms that justice for women cannot be achieved without peace, and peace requires justice. Our statement is a call to action for States, international institutions, and civil society to move beyond militarism and patriarchal power toward a feminist vision of peace; one rooted in care, cooperation, and collective humanity.

We invite you to read the full statement and join us in advancing a world where every woman and girl has access to justice, equality, and the promise of peace.

The post CSW70: WILPF Calls for Justice, Demilitarisation, and Structural Transformation appeared first on WILPF.