In a captivating event, the legacy of the women who forged the UN’s path towards gender equality reverberated on Thursday. The dire message was clear: Silence is not an option in the quest for human rights. Anna Fierst invoked the spirit of her great-grandmother, Eleanor Roosevelt, reminding attendees that “universal human rights begin… in small places, close to home,” signifying the importance of grassroots activism in ensuring these rights hold true.
Ms. Fierst lamented that had Roosevelt lived to see today’s world, she would be disheartened by the uneven progress of women’s rights since the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, she would also refrain from over-relying on technology, noting Eleanor’s belief that excessive reliance on mass media can halt genuine human connection and discourse.
The gathering featured notables such as Gertrude Mongella, known as “Mama Beijing,” who orchestrated pivotal discussions at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. She reflected on the lasting impact of those decisions, heralding that women today are claiming leadership roles unimaginable at that time, including positions such as defence minister. Despite this progress, a concerning report indicated that a quarter of governments worldwide are experiencing a backlash against women’s rights in 2024.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the UN’s first female President, also stole the spotlight. Renowned for shattering barriers as India’s inaugural ambassador to the UN and the Soviet Union, she tirelessly championed women’s health and education. Manu Bhagavan beautifully articulated her fierce spirit, illuminating her defiance against authoritarianism following her house arrest in 1975 for opposing a state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Rebecca Adami, an Associate Professor, further contributed valuable insights into the stories of these trailblazing women as part of an exhibition dedicated to their enduring legacy. The event was not only a remembrance but a resilient call to action, urging individuals everywhere to stay active in the ongoing struggle for human rights and equality.
The event commemorating the women who pioneered human rights at the UN emphasised the importance of grassroots activism in advocating for gender equality. Speakers like Anna Fierst, Gertrude Mongella, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit shared insights on the challenges and triumphs of women’s rights since 1948. Despite notable progress, a recent report indicated increased backlash against women’s rights globally, underscoring the continuing need for advocacy and action.
The event celebrating the UN’s ‘founding mothers’ served as a poignant reminder of the tireless work needed to uphold human rights. With notable figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, Gertrude Mongella, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit at the forefront of the fight for gender equality, the message resonated through time: engagement at the grassroots level is essential. Even amidst setbacks and backlash, the commitment to progress remains imperative for a more just world.
Original Source: news.un.org
