@MATES4Kids side event at the United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

On 13 March 2024, CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours), @MATES4Kids (Maximising Access To Essential Supplies for Children), and global changemakers had the opportunity to host a virtual side event at the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68). 

The priority theme of CSW68 was “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women ang girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.” The title of CLAN’s side event was “Accelerating gender equality and empowerment for the international CAH community.”

The event brought together experts from around the world to highlight the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reducing gender inequalities affecting all children and adults who are biologically female and living with CAH in resource poor settings. This event was a unique opportunity to privilege the voices, stories and perspectives of girl babies, women and those born biologically female who are living with CAH. A highlight of the event was the celebration of the recent inaugural CAH Club mMeeting in Colombia, and this video speaks to the impact of the Club Meeting on one of the young participants.

This CSW68 side-event was an important step in addressing what actions are needed to accelerate gender equality and empowerment for the International CAH Community. We were able to share and learn about the differences and inequities that exist between countries and hear more about the breadth and depth of the experiences of people with CAH across the globe – particularly girls, women and people born biologically female with CAH. 

In lower-income countries, conditions that are easy and inexpensive to treat often go undiagnosed, leading to high rates of preventable morbidity and mortality, especially among girl children. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), women in lower-income countries experience higher levels of economic hardship and gender inequality compared to economically advanced countries, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Women and girls frequently encounter barriers to accessing care. Even when they access care, they often receive less aggressive treatments, increasing their risk of complications and denying them their basic human right to life and health. Additionally, women are more likely to become the sole caregivers for children with special health needs, further impacting on their financial well-being. 

CLAN is unwaveringly grateful for the support of all @MATES4Kids participants and their dedication to collaborative efforts in reducing preventable mortality linked with CAH by 30% by 2030! We look forward to continuing to work together as we journey towards 2030. Let’s strive to make newborn screening accessible to #EVERYchild and #LeaveNoChildBehind.