Global Leaders Rally for Women’s Rights at UN Session
The Commission on the Status of Women commenced its sixty-ninth session today at the United Nations General Assembly, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the pivotal 1995 Beijing Conference on Women. This session underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights, as speakers highlighted the urgent need for action against persistent obstacles. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that women’s rights are facing significant threats, calling for a collective response to combat the resurgence of patriarchal norms.
Urgent Call to Action
During the opening remarks, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the alarming state of women’s rights globally. He stated, “Women’s rights are under siege,” pointing to the resurgence of patriarchal attitudes that threaten progress made over the past three decades. Guterres noted that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced violence, and many still lack fundamental rights in numerous countries. He urged immediate action, declaring, “It is time to stand up and speak out.”
Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, echoed these sentiments, warning that inaction and outdated policies could lead to a regression of hard-won gains. He highlighted that, at the current rate, it would take 137 years to eradicate extreme poverty among women and girls and an additional 68 years to eliminate child marriage. Yang called on member states to recommit to the promises made in Beijing, emphasizing the need for resolute action to combat poverty and promote economic development.
Funding Cuts Threaten Progress
Françoise Moudou, CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund, raised concerns about recent funding cuts to women’s rights organizations, estimated at around $730 million. She warned that these cuts translate into tangible harm, jeopardizing the gains achieved in women’s healthcare, economic independence, and political participation. Moudou asserted that the decision by various governments and philanthropic entities to reduce funding for gender equality is a deliberate attack on women’s rights, emphasizing the need for sustained financial support to protect these essential services.
Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council, cautioned against the risk of stagnation and potential backsliding in the fight for gender equality. He stressed the importance of the Commission on the Status of Women in ensuring that the Beijing Declaration remains a guiding framework for progress. Rae called for a united front against regression, urging all stakeholders to champion justice and equality for women.
Women’s Role in Peace and Security
Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN-Women, highlighted the critical need for women’s inclusion in peacekeeping efforts. She pointed out that women currently make up less than 10 percent of peace negotiators globally, questioning how the international community can claim a commitment to peace while excluding women from its processes. Bahous called for increased funding for national action plans focused on women, peace, and security, stressing that climate change exacerbates existing inequalities. She warned that without bold action, an estimated 256 million women and girls could face food insecurity by 2050, linking climate justice directly to gender justice.
Representatives from civil society also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for women’s participation in sustainable development amidst climate change and technological advancements. They highlighted the structural barriers that hinder women’s progress and called for the protection of indigenous women’s rights across various regions. Youth representative Küyenray Rupayan declared, “We are the next generation — the voices of change,” underscoring the importance of empowering young women in the fight for equality.
Regional Perspectives on Gender Equality
The afternoon session featured a high-level interactive dialogue with regional commissions to assess progress and identify gaps in gender equality initiatives. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, moderated the discussion, emphasizing the urgent need for action to prevent an estimated 1 billion women and girls from living in inadequate housing by 2050. She noted that women aged 15 to 49 are disproportionately represented in urban slums, facing dire living conditions.
Representatives from various regional commissions shared insights specific to their areas. The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) stressed the importance of gender-responsive budgeting and addressing the gender pay gap. The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) highlighted efforts to leverage technology for women’s empowerment, while the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reported on improvements in maternity standards but acknowledged ongoing barriers to women’s full participation. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) pointed out the persistent gender digital divide, calling for strong political will and funding to advance gender equality. Meanwhile, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) advocated for expanding gender-responsive social protections to dismantle structural barriers.
The Commission’s session will continue at United Nations Headquarters in New York until March 21, 2025, as global leaders and advocates strive to address the pressing issues facing women and girls worldwide.
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