On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for urgent action in advancing women’s rights worldwide, pointing out that despite progress over the last thirty years, significant gaps remain. He commented at the opening of the 69th session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. Guterres emphasised that while strides have been made in girls’ education and maternal health, equality and peace for women are still not realised.
Guterres lamented that women’s rights are under increasing threat, labelling the resurgence of patriarchal norms as a toxic return. He highlighted alarming statistics: a persistent 20% global gender pay gap and violence endured by nearly one in three women. Specific mention was made of the dire situation in Afghanistan, where women’s rights have been virtually obliterated.
The Secretary-General also raised concerns about emerging technologies, particularly the prevalence of non-consensual deepfake images, predominantly affecting women. He warned that tools like Artificial Intelligence, while innovative, can perpetuate misogyny and online harm.
In a call for transformative change, Guterres urged governments to invest in gender equality initiatives, support organisations advocating for women’s rights, and elevate women to leadership roles across sectors. He articulated that women leaders are crucial for advancing health, education, and effectively combating violence against women.
Reaffirming the UN’s dedication to gender equality, Guterres echoed that achieving equality is a matter of basic human rights and fundamental justice, essential for the well-being of global society.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted significant gaps in women’s rights progress, referencing indicators such as the global gender pay gap and violence against women. He condemned the resurgence of patriarchal norms and emerging technology abuses. Urging immediate action, he called for increased investment in gender equality and women’s leadership to address these pressing issues, reaffirming that equality is essential for justice and humanity.
In summary, Antonio Guterres’s address highlighted the stark reality of women’s rights progress, urging immediate global action to address persistent inequalities. As patriarchal influences resurge, the necessity for women’s empowerment and representation in leadership becomes more critical. The overarching message is that investing in gender equality is not just a moral obligation, but a necessity for a just and peaceful world.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
