On the eve of International Women’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a resolute message from New York City, warning that “women’s bodies have become a political battleground.”
In a compelling address at the UN Commemoration event for International Women’s Day, Guterres called on global leaders to come together in defense of gender equality and the rights of women and girls worldwide.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration—which enshrined women’s rights as human rights—Guterres acknowledged that while significant progress has been made over the decades, the advances remain precarious. “Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies,” he said, “yet these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough.”
Highlighting the many obstacles still faced by women, Guterres pointed to the stark realities of gender-based violence and economic disparity. He revealed alarming statistics: every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life at the hands of a partner or family member, and 612 million women and girls continue to live in conflict-affected regions where their rights are routinely ignored. Additionally, he noted that less than two-thirds of women participate in the global labor market, with earnings that trail behind those of their male counterparts.
Digital platforms, despite their potential to empower, were also criticized for amplifying bias and fueling online harassment, often translating into real-life violence. “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny,” Guterres warned.
In his address, the Secretary-General underscored the need for urgent, concerted action. He pointed to successful initiatives like the UN’s Spotlight Initiative—launched in 2016—which has prevented violence against 21 million women and girls and kept 1 million girls in school, demonstrating that real change is achievable when global efforts are unified.
Further reinforcing his call to action, Guterres announced the launch of the “Gender Equality Clarion Call.” This new initiative is structured around four key priorities: unified leadership, decisive action against regressive forces, coordinated impact across sectors, and robust protection for defenders of women’s human rights.
Guterres also took a moment to celebrate internal progress at the UN, noting that the organization has reached gender parity in its senior leadership positions since 2020. “This achievement shows that systemic change is possible,” he remarked, urging governments, businesses, and civil society to replicate similar commitments in their respective domains.
As the world prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day, Guterres’ stirring remarks serve as both a reminder of the persistent challenges and a clarion call for renewed global solidarity in the pursuit of lasting gender equality.
In a compelling address at the UN Commemoration event for International Women’s Day, Guterres called on global leaders to come together in defense of gender equality and the rights of women and girls worldwide.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration—which enshrined women’s rights as human rights—Guterres acknowledged that while significant progress has been made over the decades, the advances remain precarious. “Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies,” he said, “yet these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough.”
Highlighting the many obstacles still faced by women, Guterres pointed to the stark realities of gender-based violence and economic disparity. He revealed alarming statistics: every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life at the hands of a partner or family member, and 612 million women and girls continue to live in conflict-affected regions where their rights are routinely ignored. Additionally, he noted that less than two-thirds of women participate in the global labor market, with earnings that trail behind those of their male counterparts.
Digital platforms, despite their potential to empower, were also criticized for amplifying bias and fueling online harassment, often translating into real-life violence. “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny,” Guterres warned.
In his address, the Secretary-General underscored the need for urgent, concerted action. He pointed to successful initiatives like the UN’s Spotlight Initiative—launched in 2016—which has prevented violence against 21 million women and girls and kept 1 million girls in school, demonstrating that real change is achievable when global efforts are unified.
Further reinforcing his call to action, Guterres announced the launch of the “Gender Equality Clarion Call.” This new initiative is structured around four key priorities: unified leadership, decisive action against regressive forces, coordinated impact across sectors, and robust protection for defenders of women’s human rights.
Guterres also took a moment to celebrate internal progress at the UN, noting that the organization has reached gender parity in its senior leadership positions since 2020. “This achievement shows that systemic change is possible,” he remarked, urging governments, businesses, and civil society to replicate similar commitments in their respective domains.
As the world prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day, Guterres’ stirring remarks serve as both a reminder of the persistent challenges and a clarion call for renewed global solidarity in the pursuit of lasting gender equality.
