On International Women’s Day, UN Women emphasises the dire state of women’s rights globally, invoking a call to arms for Rights, Empowerment, and Equality for all women and girls. The 2024 report, “Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing,” reveals that 25% of countries face a backlash against women’s rights. Despite some victories, with only 87 women having led nations and a woman being murdered every 10 minutes, alarming trends amplify the urgency for action.
A daunting rise in the past decade has seen women and girls in conflict zones increase by 50%. They confront harrowing harassment and threats, particularly in the wake of global crises like COVID-19 and climate emergencies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres points out the pressing need for a united front against growing misogyny, stating, “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Yet, globally, women’s human rights are under attack.”
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the progress made since 1995 in educational parity, maternal health, and legal reforms is commendable. However, the report underscores that much more is required to realise gender equality by 2030. The newly proposed Beijing+30 Action Agenda lays out a roadmap aimed at achieving crucial goals, focusing on equitable digital access, poverty alleviation, and legislative measures against violence.
The agenda prioritises empowering women through technology, investing in social protections, and ensuring equal participation in decision-making processes. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of women’s roles in peacebuilding and calls for climate justice to be an integral part of policy making. All these dimensions highlight young women and girls as essential to these efforts, promising to set a foundation for lasting equality.
With events like the Beijing+30 commemoration on the horizon, the time is ripe for nations to embed these initiatives into their frameworks. In this critical year, amid efforts to reclaim women’s rights, we must strive for a world where equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality. Together, we can create the first generation to experience a truly equal world.
The UN Women report reveals a troubling trend of backlash against women’s rights globally, with notable increases in discrimination and violence. Despite progress achieved since the Beijing Declaration, urgent efforts are needed to address these challenges. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda offers a roadmap for actions across various areas to enhance gender equality and secure rights for women and girls.
In summary, women’s rights are at a critical juncture, with alarming backlashes amidst previous progress. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda outlines essential measures necessary for ensuring gender equality, focusing on digital inclusion, protection from poverty, violence prevention, and empowering women in all spheres. This significant year offers a chance to solidify these commitments as we aim to make equality a reality for women and girls globally.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
