Thirty years following the adoption of a vital framework for gender equality by global leaders, a United Nations report highlights a troubling trend: women’s and girls’ rights are increasingly under threat. Nearly 25% of governments worldwide reported a backlash last year, indicating a troubling resurgence of gender discrimination. While there have been some advancements in girls’ education and family planning access, alarming statistics reveal a woman or girl is murdered every 10 minutes by someone close to them. Moreover, incidents of conflict-related sexual violence have surged by 50% since 2022.
As we approach International Women’s Day, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the need to combat this rising tide of misogyny, stating, “Globally, women’s human rights are under attack.” Guterres calls for global unity in ensuring that human rights and equality are upheld for every woman and girl, stating, “We’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.”
The 1995 Beijing women’s conference, attended by representatives from 189 countries, laid out a groundbreaking declaration focusing on 12 key action areas to achieve gender equality, including measures against poverty and violence towards women. For the first time, it asserted women’s rights to make personal decisions regarding their sexuality.
However, the latest report by UN Women, drawing on insights from 159 countries, reveals both progress and setbacks. Notably, 88% of nations have passed laws combating violence against women, with many also prohibiting workplace discrimination and enhancing educational opportunities for women. Yet systemic barriers persist, with significant disparities in power and resources.
Disconcertingly, the report indicates that 25% of countries have noted backlash against gender equality, hindering the implementation of the Beijing Declaration. Currently, women hold only 64% of the legal rights that men possess, with men representing three-quarters of all lawmakers despite an increase in female politicians since 1995. Young women aged 15 to 24 struggle with access to family planning resources, while maternal mortality rates have stagnated since 2015.
Furthermore, the report reveals that 95% of conflict-related sexual violence victims are women and girls. In light of these findings, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous introduced a roadmap aimed at achieving gender equality by 2030. This plan advocates for equal access to technology for women and girls, universal health care, quality education, a commitment to ending violence against women, and increased decision-making power for females in humanitarian efforts.
A recent UN report highlights the deteriorating state of women’s rights 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, with 25% of countries reporting a backlash against gender equality. Key findings include alarming rates of violence against women, persistent gender discrimination, and barriers to legal rights. Despite some progress in laws and education, the situation requires urgent action to combat misogyny and enhance women’s empowerment.
In summary, the UN report presents a stark picture of the current state of women’s rights, highlighting both progress and alarming regression. The increase in gender-based violence and the pervasive discrimination across social and economic spheres illustrate the urgency for collective action. As the world approaches significant milestones for women’s rights, there is a dire need for heightened commitment to equality and empowerment on a global scale.
Original Source: www.detroitnews.com
