March 2025 | New York City

The ASTRA Network proudly took part in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), bringing the voices and perspectives of feminist activists from Central and Eastern Europe to the global stage. Amid growing authoritarianism and rising threats to gender equality, our delegation worked tirelessly to spotlight the urgent need for protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and preserving civic space across the region.

Our Key Contributions

Throughout CSW69, ASTRA Network:

• Delivered joint country-level statements on SRHR in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Participated in 11 impactful side events addressing critical issues including adolescent SRHR, abortion rights, feminist civic space, and digital gender-based violence.
• Advocated for intersectional and inclusive approaches to policymaking, especially in post-war recovery, EU accession processes, and youth empowerment.

Our team distributed advocacy materials, including one-pagers introducing ASTRA’s mission, strategic focus, and member efforts—ensuring visibility among global partners and decision-makers.

Highlights from CSW69

• Regional Solidarity: From the Western Balkans to Central Asia, we strengthened partnerships through high-level dialogues and side events, advocating for rights-based reforms and intersectional strategies.
• Youth & SRHR: We elevated adolescent health and girl-led activism, affirming the need for comprehensive sexuality education and inclusive policymaking.
• Abortion Justice: ASTRA’s member Vera Syrokvash moderated the panel “Advancing Abortion Rights and Access: Strengthening our Resilient Movement”, emphasizing transnational solidarity and momentum ahead of the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue.
• Strategic Engagements: We engaged with UN and EU officials, including a civil society meeting with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, where we raised concerns about the omission of abortion in the new EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights.

Strengthening Feminist Power

ASTRA’s CSW69 participation culminated in valuable internal gatherings and cross-regional allyship. Our coordination meetings, including a feminist dinner with members from Hungary, Belarus, and Armenia, deepened our collective resilience and regional strategy.

Moving Forward

In the face of democratic backsliding and attacks on fundamental rights, ASTRA Network remains steadfast in its mission: to amplify feminist resistance, protect SRHR, and build cross-border solidarity. CSW69 reaffirmed that feminist voices from Central and Eastern Europe are not only present—they are powerful, connected, and determined.

Let’s keep pushing for justice, equity, and rights—for all.