Youth Blog

Day three of the UN Commission of the Status of Women (CSW), marked the commencement of the two-day pro-family and pro-life Conference on the State of Women and Families organized by a coalition of pro-life NGOs who are involved in UN processes. This conference, in parallel to the Commission, was born out of necessity. A few years back, after UNWOMEN and CSW NGO developed an attestation with controversial terms, that was required to be signed by non governmental organizations in order to host an official CSW parallel event, pro-life NGOs were left with their hands tied. We couldn’t, in good conscience, sign the attestation. This was certainly an effort to dissuade and prevent pro-life organizations from hosting events. So, it was decided amongst the coalition that we would develop our own conference – no attestation required.

The Conference on the State of Women and Families has now run for two consecutive years – with much positive engagement.

The second event of this year’s Conference titled “Leaving Others Behind: Women of Faith in a Secularizing World”, hosted by Christian Council International, addressed the increasing marginalization of women of faith and the erosion of religious and family values in global policymaking. Speakers warned that international institutions, particularly the UN and the EU, are using deceptive strategies to advance an anti-family, anti-religious agenda under the pretense of promoting gender equality and human rights.

Henk Jan van Schothorst, President of Christian Council International, opened the discussion by sharing personal reflections on faith, family, and the importance of preserving moral values. He recounted his experience working in the European Parliament, where he witnessed how unelected bureaucrats push controversial policies with little transparency. He expressed particular concern over the EU-ACP Agreement (Samoa Treaty), an economic agreement that has been used as a vehicle to impose progressive ideologies on African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations. According to him, these policies often undermine motherhood, displace women of faith, and erase religious freedom under the guise of human rights.

Sharon Slater, President of Family Watch International, delivered a comprehensive analysis of how global institutions manipulate treaties and policies to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, which often include abortion, gender ideology, and comprehensive sexuality education. She explained that documents like the CSW Beijing+30 review, the African Union’s new Convention on Ending Violence Against Women, and the Samoa Treaty contain seemingly neutral language, but are ultimately used to redefine human rights in a way that pressures countries to adopt policies harmful to traditional family structures.

She pointed to UN treaty bodies and special rapporteurs, which she argued have been weaponized to reinterpret international agreements and impose ideological policies that many nations would not accept outright. Slater emphasized that motherhood and religious freedom, which were once considered essential in global gender discussions, are now aggressively sidelined. She noted that the original Beijing Platform for Action acknowledged the spiritual needs of women and the importance of motherhood, but these aspects have since been erased from contemporary gender policy discussions. Instead, there has been a deliberate effort to frame gender equality in a way that promotes gender ideology, abortion access, and sexual rights for minors, often under the term "sexual and reproductive health and rights."

One of the most alarming revelations was the role of Planned Parenthood and UN agencies in promoting a radical sexual agenda, particularly targeting youth. Slater presented evidence showing how organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization have endorsed comprehensive sexuality education programs that encourage children to explore "sexual pleasure" and advocate for the decriminalization of prostitution. She highlighted the way treaty bodies reinterpret agreements like the Convention on the Rights of the Child to claim that children have a right to sexual autonomy, free from parental involvement. She argued that such efforts amount to a global attempt to sexualize children and weaken parental rights.

A major theme throughout the discussion was the use of international funding as coercion. Slater described how wealthy Western countries and donor organizations attach ideological conditions to aid, particularly targeting developing nations. She pointed to the African Union’s new Convention on Ending Violence Against Women, where provisions on sexual and reproductive rights were quietly inserted through ambiguous language. Many African leaders signed onto these agreements without realizing that they were committing to policies that contradict their cultural and religious values. She argued that this represents a form of neocolonialism, where Western nations impose their progressive ideologies on other cultures through diplomatic and financial pressure.

Slater concluded by emphasizing that the fight over gender policies is ultimately a battle for the hearts and minds of future generations. She warned that if international institutions continue to push gender ideology and anti-family policies under the disguise of human rights, the very foundation of society—faith, family, and moral values—will be at risk. She called on pro-family and faith-based advocates to resist the deceptive tactics of the UN and EU, particularly by challenging the language in international agreements and demanding that governments reject harmful policies. The event underscored the urgent need for vigilance in protecting religious freedom, parental rights, and the sanctity of life. It served as a powerful reminder that women of faith are being deliberately excluded from global gender discussions, and that the current trajectory of international policy is one that prioritizes ideological conformity over true human rights.

The event titled “Empowering Women Through Religiosity and Family Formation”, hosted by United Families International, explored the profound impact of faith and family on women’s well-being, empowerment, and societal stability. The speakers, including researchers and graduate students from Brigham Young University, presented compelling evidence that religion and strong family structures provide crucial support for women, benefiting their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as their economic and social stability.

Dr. Justin Dyer, a professor at BYU, began by highlighting the global impact of religion on individuals, emphasizing that despite negative portrayals in media, faith plays a significant role in providing meaning, community, and resilience in times of suffering. Research consistently shows that religious individuals, particularly women, experience higher levels of well-being, as faith provides hope, belonging, and a sense of purpose. Women, more than men, tend to engage with religion, using it as a source of strength in their personal and family lives. Dr. Dyer referenced an 11-country study that examined how religion influences family life. While 17% of women cited negative experiences with religion—such as reinforcing gender roles or outdated ideas—the overwhelming majority (51%) reported positive effects, including stronger family bonds, increased respect, and a greater ability to navigate difficulties. He emphasized that while no institution is perfect, religion overwhelmingly provides women with tools for personal growth, relational harmony, and resilience in adversity. One of the most unexpected findings in the research on gender equality was that religious men are more likely to contribute to household labor and childcare. Contrary to the assumption that religiosity might reinforce male dominance, studies show that deeply religious husbands value home and family highly, leading to greater participation in domestic responsibilities and child-rearing. Research also revealed that religious fathers are more actively engaged in their children's lives, particularly in early development, which has long-term positive effects on child well-being.

Dr. Dyer then addressed the mental health benefits of faith, particularly for women. Women are more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and toxic perfectionism, with young girls in particular experiencing a dramatic rise in mental health struggles in recent years. The data showed that religious women have lower rates of depression, lower instances of self-derogation, and are less likely to consider suicide. Faith provides a secure sense of identity, independent of performance based validation, offering a psychological buffer against the pressures of modern society. Faith also plays a role in physical health and longevity. Studies indicate that those who regularly participate in religious activities live longer and experience lower rates of cancer. Dr. Dyer pointed out that religious women are less likely to consume alcohol and tobacco, which directly correlates with lower rates of breast cancer and other health risks. Additionally, religious participation reduces the likelihood of domestic violence, with men who regularly attend church being 49-72% less likely to abuse their partners. Women who frequently attend religious services are also significantly less likely to experience intimate partner violence.

Graduate student Tamara Chamberlyn expanded on the discussion by examining motherhood as a transformative and empowering experience. She highlighted that, while motherhood comes with challenges, it fosters emotional resilience, confidence, and purpose for women. Research from the American Psychological Association found that 87% of mothers reported increased emotional resilience, and 74% felt more confident in their abilities after having children. Chamberlyn referenced the work of Harvard professor Catherine Eden, who studied women in extreme poverty and found that motherhood provided many of them with a sense of stability and motivation to improve their lives. Women who had children often became financially independent, pursued higher education, and worked to secure a better future for their families. Chamberlyn emphasized that maternal caregiving fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and resourcefulness, making motherhood not a limitation, but a source of strength and growth.

Graduate student Christina Cooper discussed the economic benefits of marriage for women, refuting the notion that marriage inherently limits female independence. Research shows that married women experience greater financial stability, with household incomes that are, on average, 45% higher than those of single women. Married women are also 80% less likely to live in poverty and, by retirement age, have significantly greater financial assets than their unmarried counterparts. Cooper explained that the benefits of marriage extend to children as well, with studies consistently showing that children from two-parent households perform better academically, have better emotional regulation, and experience greater long-term success. While recognizing the importance of supporting single mothers, she emphasized that strong marriages provide stability, economic security, and emotional support that benefit both women and their children.

Aliza Medsen concluded the event by addressing the biological and emotional significance of the mother-child bond. She explained that mothers and infants are biologically wired for attachment, with newborns recognizing their mother’s voice, scent, and face immediately after birth. This connection, reinforced through physical closeness, eye contact, and nurturing behaviors, has profound effects on a child's emotional, cognitive, and social development. Medsen noted that maternal sensitivity—the ability to respond to a child’s needs—is the single most significant predictor of a child's future emotional well-being.

Research shows that strong maternal bonds lead to greater self-confidence, better stress management, and healthier relationships in adulthood. She emphasized that mothers are irreplaceable in their role of shaping the next generation, providing children with the security, love, and values needed to thrive. Overall, the event made a powerful case that religion, family, and motherhood are not barriers to women’s empowerment, but essential components of it. The speakers highlighted that faith strengthens women’s emotional and mental resilience, marriage provides economic and social benefits, and motherhood offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and generational impact. The event called for societal and governmental support for faith, family, and motherhood, rather than policies that seek to undermine them.

The later event titled “Failing Our Children, Eroding Our Society: Family-Centered Initiatives and Solutions”, hosted by the Universal Peace Federation, examined how the breakdown of family structures and cultural shifts toward individualism have negatively impacted children, mental health, and society.

Experts emphasized the importance of strong families, parental involvement, and faith-based values in reversing these trends. Erica Komisar, a clinical social worker and psychoanalyst, highlighted how self-centered cultural values, materialism, and the push for women to prioritize careers over family have contributed to the decline of marriage and the isolation of both mothers and children. She argued that modern society devalues motherhood, leaving children in institutional daycare rather than being nurtured at home. The lack of paid parental leave in the U.S. further pressures mothers to return to work early, neglecting the critical early years of child development. This breakdown has led to higher divorce rates, increased single-parent households, and rising mental health issues among children and young adults. Komisar called for policy reforms and cultural change to restore the family as the foundation of society.

Ian Rowe, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasized that family structure is the strongest predictor of economic mobility. Research shows that children raised in married, two parent households have significantly better life outcomes than those from single-parent homes. He also highlighted the role of religion and education in promoting stability, moral values, and personal success. Rowe introduced the FREE Framework, which identifies four key factors for success: Family – Stable, married families improve child well-being. Religion – Faith communities provide moral guidance and social support. Education – School choice and quality education help break cycles of poverty. Entrepreneurship – Economic independence fosters long-term stability. He also advocated for teaching the Success Sequence, a life plan that encourages young people to finish school, get a job, and marry before having children, significantly reducing their likelihood of poverty. The event emphasized that strong families, faith, and education are essential for societal stability and personal success. Komisar and Rowe both called for a shift in cultural and policy priorities to support marriage, parenting, and family-friendly policies, recognizing that the well-being of children is crucial to the future of society.

The pro-family and pro-life events held alongside the UN Commission on the Status of Women underscored the urgent need to safeguard faith, family, and life in global policymaking. Through thought-provoking discussions and compelling research, speakers exposed the ways in which international institutions are advancing agendas that marginalize women of faith, weaken traditional family structures, and undermine parental rights. These events served as a rallying call for pro-life and pro-family advocates to remain vigilant, challenge harmful policies, and push for solutions that genuinely empower women and strengthen families.

The Conference on the State of Women and Families demonstrated that religious values, strong marriages, and the nurturing role of motherhood are not obstacles to women’s progress, but rather essential pillars of societal well-being. Research presented at the events affirmed that faith-based family structures foster emotional resilience, economic security, and child development—contradicting the prevailing narrative that seeks to separate women from their faith and families in the name of equality.

As international bodies continue to push ideologies that conflict with traditional values, it is more crucial than ever for pro-life organizations to remain engaged in these global discussions. The success of this year’s conference reaffirms the necessity of providing a platform for voices that champion life, faith, and family. Moving forward, the coalition of pro-life NGOs must continue to challenge deceptive policies, advocate for authentic human rights, and work toward a future where women are truly empowered through the values that have sustained societies for generations.