Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Equitable Participation in Local Governance and Public Life
March 9 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
The Asia Dalit Rights Forum, in collaboration with the The Inclusivity Project, Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO Nepal), and Dalit Women Forum/Nagorik Uddyog, will host an in-person parallel event during CSW70.
This event addresses the systemic barriers that prevent Dalit, Roma, Quilombola, and Palenque women — particularly those from communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) — from fully participating in local governance and public decision-making processes. Despite global commitments to gender equality and justice, these women remain severely underrepresented in leadership roles and excluded from shaping policies that directly affect their lives.
Failure to confront these structural inequalities threatens progress toward SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The discussion will explore transformative legal reforms, inclusive justice systems, and strategies to dismantle discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. Speakers will highlight the urgent need to strengthen representation and meaningful participation of marginalized women at all levels of governance.
Bringing together young Dalit, Roma, and other marginalized women leaders, this dialogue will foster cross-regional solidarity and generate actionable strategies to advance women’s full and effective participation in public life and improve access to justice.