Women are the centre of attention here in New York for the coming two weeks. So what is more appropriate than to write my first blog about some remarkable women, women of the past as well as women in the present.

Women’s economic empowerment is key to the realisation of women’s rights, and to achieving a truly gender equal world. Overcoming gender inequality, in turn, is not only a pressing moral and social issue but also a critical economic challenge.

The 60th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) took place in New York between 14 and 24 March 2016. The principal outcome of the annual CSW is the Agreed Conclusions on priority themes set for each year.