ICN wraps up strong presence at CSW70, calling for urgent action on gender equity and protection of nurses

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has concluded a high-impact participation at the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), reinforcing the critical role of nurses in advancing gender equity, protecting health workers, and strengthening global health systems.

Marking ICN President Dr José-Luis Cobos Serrano’s first engagement at the United Nations, ICN brought its largest-ever delegation to CSW, with eight official nurse delegates and more than 20 nurses participating in ICN-led events and networking. The strong and visible presence of nurses across the programme highlighted the profession’s growing influence in global policy discussions on women’s rights, health, and workforce protection.

Throughout the week, ICN contributed to key dialogues on violence against nurses, leadership, digital equity, and climate-health action. At ICN’s flagship parallel session on workplace violence, Dr Cobos Serrano underscored that violence against nurses is a gendered global crisis linked to systemic inequities, unsafe working conditions, and workforce shortages. He also addressed global standards and career advancement at a second high-level session, emphasizing the importance of investing in nursing careers, leadership, and equitable access to technology.

Reflecting on ICN’s participation, Dr Cobos Serrano said:

“CSW70 has made clear that gender equality cannot be achieved without protecting and investing in the nursing workforce. Nurses are the backbone of health systems, yet they continue to face violence, discrimination, and underinvestment. If we are serious about building equitable, resilient societies, we must ensure nurses are safe, supported, and empowered to lead.”

ICN’s delegation showcased the diversity and strength of the global nursing community. Josephine Agyei, Chair of ICN’s Student and Early Career Nursing Alliance (SECN), represented the next generation of nursing leadership, speaking at multiple events on the importance of early career investment and mentorship. Dra. Verónica Barrón Pérez of Mexico, a nurse and lawyer who self-funded her participation, brought a powerful perspective to discussions often dominated by high-income country voices, underscoring the need for more inclusive global engagement.

Across CSW70, global leaders reaffirmed that access to justice is essential to achieving equality for women and girls, with commitments to repeal discriminatory laws, strengthen workplace protections, and advance survivor-centred responses to violence. ICN echoed these priorities, highlighting the urgent need for zero-tolerance policies on workplace violence, stronger protections for health workers in conflict settings, and sustained investment in the nursing workforce.

ICN also engaged in discussions on emerging challenges, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, economic abuse, and the role of nurses in climate and health action. These conversations reinforced the central role of nurses across clinical care, education, research, and policy in driving equitable and sustainable solutions.

Dr Cobos Serrano concluded:

“Nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge health, gender equality, and social justice. Our message at CSW70 is clear: protecting nurses is not optional—it is fundamental to protecting patients, strengthening economies, and achieving health for all.”

ICN will continue to advance these priorities through its global advocacy, partnerships, and initiatives, including its #NursesforPeace campaign supporting nurses working in crisis and conflict-affected settings.