Secretary-General Emphasizes Justice for Women and Girls as Essential in Opening of Commission on Status of Women

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address at the opening of the seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality. He highlighted that despite significant progress, women and girls still face systemic barriers to justice and equality. Guterres called for collective action to address these challenges, underscoring the importance of women’s rights as a cornerstone of sustainable development, peace, and security.

The Ongoing Struggle for Gender Equality

In his remarks, Guterres acknowledged the historical context of the fight for women’s rights, stating that progress has never been freely given but rather hard-won by generations of advocates. He pointed out that gender equality remains a pressing issue in a world still dominated by patriarchal norms. The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to those who have tirelessly worked towards creating a more equitable society, emphasizing that the theme of this year’s session—access to justice—reflects a critical aspect of this struggle. He noted that millions of women and girls still find justice elusive due to discriminatory laws and societal norms that limit their rights.

Guterres highlighted the alarming statistics that reveal women hold only 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men globally. He stressed that this gap is not accidental but structural, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities. The Secretary-General warned that in the current climate of conflict and technological upheaval, there is a significant backlash against women’s rights, with hard-won legal protections being eroded and women human rights defenders facing increasing threats.

Justice as a Foundation for Progress

The Secretary-General outlined four critical areas where justice is essential for achieving gender equality. First, he emphasized that justice is vital for sustainable development. When women and girls can claim their rights—such as property ownership and fair employment—societies thrive. Conversely, when justice systems fail women, inequality becomes entrenched, stalling development efforts. Guterres pointed to Afghanistan as a stark example, where women are systematically excluded from public life, undermining the potential for progress.

Second, he asserted that justice is foundational for peace and security. Women’s meaningful participation in peace processes leads to more durable agreements and deeper societal healing. However, Guterres lamented that women are often absent from negotiation tables, and despite pledges of protection, sexual violence continues unabated. He stressed that ensuring access to justice, even amid crises, is crucial for breaking cycles of violence and fostering stability.

Confronting Violence and Promoting Digital Inclusion

Guterres also addressed the need for justice to protect human rights and dignity. He highlighted the pervasive violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse and trafficking, which erodes human rights for all. He called for an end to the culture of impunity that allows such violence to persist, urging society not to turn a blind eye to these issues.

Furthermore, he discussed the importance of justice in creating a safe and inclusive digital future. With technology playing an increasingly significant role in society, Guterres noted that women’s absence in tech fields leads to the perpetuation of gender biases in digital systems. He called on technology companies to take responsibility and emphasized the need to close the digital gender divide by expanding opportunities for women and girls in science and technology.

Collective Action for Lasting Change

In his concluding remarks, Guterres reiterated that achieving gender equality requires collective action from all sectors of society. He expressed his commitment to continue advocating for women’s rights and highlighted the progress made within the United Nations, where gender parity has been achieved in the workforce and senior leadership roles. He called for ongoing efforts to strengthen initiatives that support women and girls, emphasizing that every voice and idea is crucial in this fight for equality.

As he addressed the Commission for the final time as Secretary-General, Guterres reflected on the resilience and strength of women worldwide, who continue to stand firm in the face of adversity. He reaffirmed his dedication to being an ally in the struggle for justice and equality, encouraging everyone to join in the effort to uplift women and girls everywhere.

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