The Commission on the Status on Women (CSW) is one of the first bodies established by the UN Economic and Social Council. Set up in 1946, it monitors the situation of women and promotes their rights in all societies around the world. It prepares recommendations and reports for the UN on any issue affecting women. In case of urgent problems, the Commission can press for immediate international action to prevent or alleviate violations of women's rights.

In other words, CSW is the global advocate for equality between women and men.

The Commission, an intergovernmental body, has 45 members, each elected for four years. The membership of the Commission15 reflects the following geographical composition: 13 States from Africa, 11 from Asia, 4 from Eastern Europe, 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 8 from Western Europe and other States. The Commission meets annually for a period of at least eight days. The central part of CSW's work involves setting universal standards regarding equality between women and men. It has also assumed a leading role in bringing women's concerns to the attention of the UN specialized agencies. Various UN Conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, have set new standards in the area of human rights. Over the years, the Commission has dealt with issues such as women's participation in political life and in decision-making, and women's role in and contribution to development16. It has put forward policy recommendations regarding women's rights in employment and in education, and their role in the economy and the environment. It has made recommendations on how to support women in their fight against poverty. Its work with regard to violence against women led to the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women by the General Assembly in 1993.

CSW initiated the observance of International Women's Year 1975 and the world conferences on women. Following the adoption of the Forward-looking Strategies in Nairobi at the third UN conference on women in 1985, the Commission has also been responsible for monitoring the implementation of these strategies. In Beijing, at the Fourth World Conference on Women (September 1995), the Commission will present the review and appraisal of the Nairobi Strategies. Both CEDAW and CSW are serviced by the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) of the Department of Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development. DAW also acts as secretariat for world conferences on women. The Division carries out policy research and monitors implementation of programmes of action taken at world conferences on women. It maintains regular outreach with NGOs and academic and national institutions working for women's advancement. It is also the focal point for coordination of activities for women in the UN system as a whole.