UN Chief Urges Action Against Gender Inequality
During a recent town hall meeting in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat rising misogyny and promote gender equality. Addressing civil society leaders, Guterres celebrated significant milestones while warning of a dangerous backlash against women’s rights. He called for unity and determination to ensure that the progress made over the past three decades is not reversed.
Celebrating Milestones in Gender Equality
This year marks two significant anniversaries in the fight for gender equality: the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the twenty-fifth anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on women, peace, and security. Guterres acknowledged the achievements made in areas such as maternal health and girls’ education, highlighting the role of women’s organizations and civil society in these advancements. He praised their contributions during the preparation for the Summit of the Future, which reaffirmed global commitments to gender equality through the Pact for the Future.
Despite these achievements, Guterres pointed out that women and girls continue to face severe challenges, including violence, poverty, and marginalization. He noted that the situation is particularly dire in regions like Afghanistan and conflict zones such as Haiti and Sudan. The Secretary-General underscored the importance of addressing these issues collectively, stating that the ongoing struggles of women and girls must not be overlooked in decision-making processes.
Confronting the Backlash Against Equality
Guterres issued a stark warning about the growing backlash against women’s rights, which he described as a “red alert” for global progress. He condemned the rising tide of misogyny and the alarming threats faced by women’s rights defenders, including harassment and violence. The Secretary-General emphasized that these challenges are both a symptom and a cause of the broader issues of inequality and injustice.
He urged leaders worldwide to resist the temptation to sacrifice gender equality for short-term gains, labeling such actions as misguided and detrimental to societal progress. Guterres expressed gratitude to those leaders who remain committed to advancing women’s rights, reinforcing the idea that true progress requires unwavering dedication to equality.
Mobilizing for Change and Empowerment
In his remarks, Guterres called for a united front among all stakeholders to drive the agenda for gender equality forward. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing resources and support for grassroots women’s organizations, which play a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights. The UN has achieved gender parity at leadership levels and is implementing the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan to enhance its capacity to support gender equality initiatives.
The Secretary-General urged participants to push for increased investments in women’s equality and to hold governments accountable for their commitments under the Pact for the Future. He also emphasized the need to tackle online misogyny and close the gendered digital divide, which disproportionately affects women. Guterres called for greater representation of women in technology and decision-making roles, stressing that power dynamics must shift to achieve true equality.
A Vision for the Future
Guterres concluded his address by reaffirming the UN’s commitment to standing alongside women’s rights defenders globally. He articulated a shared vision of a world where the rights of women and girls are fully realized. The Secretary-General encouraged all attendees to continue working together to transform this vision into reality, emphasizing that the fight for gender equality is a collective responsibility that requires energy, commitment, and determination from everyone involved.
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