In 2024, a staggering one in four countries reported a backlash against women’s rights, despite some notable advancements. Throughout history, only 87 nations have been governed by a woman, while a harrowing statistic reveals that a woman or girl is killed every ten minutes by a family member. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence perpetuate damaging stereotypes, further complicated by the digital gender gap that curtails women’s opportunities.
The last decade has witnessed a worrying 50% rise in women and girls affected by conflict, alongside relentless harassment targeting women’s rights defenders, who often face grave threats. Recent global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, alongside rising food and fuel prices, exacerbate this already urgent situation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres eloquently stated, “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Yet, globally, women’s human rights are under attack,” emphasising the need for unity in advocating for equality. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, reinforced this commitment, asserting that “ALL Women and Girls, everywhere, can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms.”
As we approach 2025, marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, the report “Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing” highlights significant achievements: parity in girls’ education and a one-third reduction in maternal mortality. Since 1995, women’s representation in parliaments has more than doubled, with numerous national reforms positively reshaping the legal landscape.
However, substantial efforts are still required to realise gender equality and advance towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda presents a robust strategy focusing on crucial areas, including:
1. A digital revolution for women and girls, ensuring access to technology and online safety.
2. Freedom from poverty through comprehensive social security investments.
3. Zero violence by establishing laws to combat all forms of violence against women.
4. Equal decision-making power by implementing gender quotas.
5. Peace and security through funding for women-focused humanitarian aid.
6. Climate justice, ensuring women’s rights and leadership in climate adaptation.
These actions, particularly those prioritising young women and girls, promise to advance women’s rights significantly. The upcoming Beijing+30 commemoration and UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) offer golden opportunities to embed these goals into national and international frameworks.
In this critical year marked by adversity, we must advocate fiercely for women’s rights to forge a world where equality is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality for every woman and girl—we can be the first generation to achieve this dream of equality.
In 2024, one in four countries sees a resurgence of backlash against women’s rights, highlighted by alarming statistics of violence and digital barriers. Global crises intensify the urgency for change. Key leaders stress the importance of advancing women’s rights and the recent Beijing+30 Action Agenda outlines six critical areas for action. We stand at a pivotal juncture for women’s equality as we approach significant anniversaries in women’s rights advocacy.
The challenges facing women’s rights in 2024 are alarming yet demand action and resilience. Progress has been made, but it is insufficient in the face of rising violence and setbacks. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda provides a clear roadmap, emphasising digital equality, poverty alleviation, and ending violence. By centring young women in our efforts, we can galvanise transformative change and strive towards the ambitious goal of equality by 2030.
Original Source: www.unwomen.org
