70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) General Discussion
Statement delivered by H.E. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia
New York, 9 March 2026
Chair, Excellencies, and civil society,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to add the following.
Gender inequality is not a women’s issue. It has a great impact on us all. Allow me, therefore, to begin today by speaking about men.
Rigid gender stereotypes, including narrow notions of masculinity, limit women and men alike. Nowhere is this clearer than in family life. Caregiving still falls mainly on women distancing fathers from the full experience of parenthood. In Estonia, 20% of parental leave takers are men, progress, but far from truly equal parenthood.
Estonia is actively challenging gender stereotypes. We support women entering STEM, encourage more men to join education and health sectors and introduced gender balance requirements for companies.
In 2024, Estonia legalised marriage equality. In 2025, we adopted our first LGBTIQ strategy. These steps strengthen human rights for all and demonstrate the importance of inclusive, gender-responsive policies.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights are not negotiable. In Estonia, a bill before Parliament will make the legal definition of rape explicitly consent-based, reflecting what most of our society already believes: that any sexual encounter must be based on mutual agreement and respect.
Civil society plays a central role in upholding justice. Women’s rights organizations hold governments accountable and ensure progress is real and lasting. Adequate funding for these organizations is essential, especially at the time of global backlash against gender equality.
Gender equality is a security issue. When it is undermined, peace and stability erode. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026–2028, and a current Vice-President of the Council, Estonia will work to strengthen accountability for violations of women’s and girls’ rights, defend sexual and reproductive health and rights and advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The consequences of failing to do so are not theoretical. Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine shows how the erosion of international law especially harms women and girls — through conflict-related sexual violence, forced deportations, including children, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Estonia remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine, ensuring accountability for international crimes, and integrating gender perspectives into all peace and reconstruction efforts.
Colleagues,
At a moment when gender equality is under threat, silence and passivity are not neutral. They are setbacks we cannot afford.
Thank you.
