The United Nations is calling for accelerated global efforts to achieve gender equality as the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted persistent challenges such as violence, discrimination, and a 20% gender pay gap during his address at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Guterres emphasized that women's rights are under threat, with nearly one in three women experiencing violence worldwide. He also pointed out that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can facilitate new forms of abuse and misogyny online.
Highlighting the critical role of education, investment in women's leadership, and the importance of supporting women's organizations, the UN chief urged nations to honor their commitments to gender equality. He stressed that achieving equality for women and girls is not only a human right but also essential for sustainable development and peace.
Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly, warned that without immediate action, it could take over a century to eliminate poverty among women and nearly seven decades to end child marriage. Yang called for the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration to realize equality for all women and girls.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, echoed these sentiments, noting the rise of misogyny amidst global crises. She advocated for closing the digital divide, ending poverty, and strengthening laws to protect women and girls from violence.
The 69th session of the CSW, held at the UN headquarters in New York, serves as a pivotal forum for assessing progress and addressing the challenges in achieving gender equality as outlined in the Beijing Declaration.
Reference(s):
UN chief: Time for world to deliver on promise of Beijing Declaration
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