As unveiled in a recent UN Women report, women’s rights have regressed in a shocking one-fourth of the world’s nations within the past year. This decline is attributed to the interplay of weakened democratic institutions, escalating conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the looming threat of climate change, all overshadowing the gains made since the landmark 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.
Marking three decades of fighting for gender equality, the report highlights a worrying trend; anti-rights actors persist in challenging established norms surrounding women’s rights, creating an environment where misogyny is eclipsing the push for equal rights. UN Secretary Antonio Guterres emphasised that instead of advancing equality, the world is witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-women sentiment.
Despite noted progress over the last 30 years, significant disparity remains. Female representation in global parliaments has almost doubled; however, men still dominate, holding three out of every four positions. While the number of women with access to social protections has risen by a third, 2 billion women and girls remain unprotected from violence and lack vital health care services.
Legal rights for women have seen enhancements too, with 88% of countries enacting laws to curb violence against women. Yet, a stark reality persists: women hold only 64% of the legal rights that men possess, and horrific statistics reveal a 50% increase in conflict-related sexual violence since 2022, with women and girls disproportionately affected.
Domestic violence rates remain unacceptably high, with estimates indicating one in three women facing physical or sexual violence from intimate partners or other perpetrators in their lifetime. Barriers in the workforce continue, as women undertake 2.5 times the amount of unpaid care work compared to their male counterparts.
The report proposes a robust six-point action plan aimed at empowering women and safeguarding their rights. Key measures include initiating a digital revolution for women, implementing a zero violence policy, ensuring socio-economic freedom, and enhancing decision-making power. Climate justice is critically featured, advocating for the prioritisation of women’s rights in climate discussions and allowing them to seize opportunities in emerging green sectors.
Ultimately, UN Women’s roadmap strives to bring the world closer to achieving gender equality by 2030, rallying for necessary actions across multiple fronts to address these critical issues.
A recent UN report reveals alarming regression in women’s rights in one-fourth of countries due to weakened democracy, conflicts, and climate change. Although progress like increased female political representation has been noted, women still face severe disparities in legal rights and protections. The report advocates for a six-point action plan to enhance women’s rights and climate justice, aiming for gender equality by 2030.
The UN Women’s report paints a stark picture of the ongoing struggles facing women’s rights globally, highlighting both the progress made and the significant challenges that persist. As anti-rights sentiments grow and democratic erosions continue, it becomes starkly apparent that gender equality is under threat. The proposed action plan serves as a vital call to arms, invoking the need for collaborative efforts in policy-making, social justice, and climate resilience to secure the rights of women and girls for the future.
Original Source: www.dw.com
