On the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a fresh report by UN Women unveils an alarming regression in women’s rights globally. It reveals that one in four nations have experienced a backlash against women’s rights. Greater discrimination, reduced legal protections, and depleted funding for vital women’s programmes threaten progress made since the landmark Beijing Declaration in 1995.
While strides have been made, with only 87 countries having ever elected a woman leader, the reality remains grim. Tragically, a woman or girl is murdered every ten minutes by a domestic partner or family member. The rise of digital technology often perpetuates harmful stereotypes, further entrenching the digital gender gap that stifles women’s potential.
In the last decade, a staggering 50% surge in women and girls forced to navigate conflict zones illustrates the escalating threats they face. Acts of violence towards women’s rights defenders have become commonplace—ranging from harassment to fatal attacks. Global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change exacerbate this urgency for a robust response.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres passionately stated, “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive.” He stressed the need to counter the disturbing trend of misogyny pervading society, calling for a unified commitment to uphold human rights, equality, and empowerment for all.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the organisation’s dedication to enabling women and girls worldwide to fully enjoy their rights. Despite facing complex hurdles in the pursuit of gender equality, they press on with determination, recognising that women and girls deserve more than mere acknowledgment; they deserve tangible change.
As we move towards 2025, which will mark three decades since the Beijing Declaration, this year’s report also introduces the Beijing+30 Action Agenda. This ambitious plan outlines essential areas for advancement, including ensuring equal access to technology, freedom from poverty, and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
The roadmap also advocates for equal decision-making power through measures like gender quotas and stresses the necessity of funding national plans to enhance women’s peace and security. Additionally, it calls for climate justice that prioritises women’s roles in environmental strategies.
The six actionable steps within the Agenda focus on placing young women at the forefront of these initiatives to ensure enduring success. The upcoming Beijing+30 commemoration events present key opportunities to embed these strategies into national policies.
In these tumultuous times marked by resistance against women’s rights, it is imperative to advance the cause, working towards an equitable future where women and girls across the globe can share equal rights and opportunities. We stand at the brink of becoming the first generation to witness a truly equal world.
In 2024, UN Women’s report shows a significant backlash against women’s rights, with one in four countries reporting regressions. Progress since the Beijing Declaration is overshadowed by increased violence and discrimination against women. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda outlines key areas for further action to ensure equality and empowerment for women and girls, urging global commitment to combat these challenges and foster a world of equal rights and opportunities.
UN Women’s recent report reveals a stark backdrop against which women’s rights are regressing globally. Despite notable achievements since the Beijing Declaration, significant challenges remain. The newly proposed Beijing+30 Action Agenda, focusing on action areas such as technology access, poverty eradication, and eradicating violence, serves as a beacon of hope. To realise a future where women and girls enjoy essential rights and opportunities, unity and robust commitment from all sectors are crucial. This pivotal year could turn the tide, creating a foundation for enduring change.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
