New York: As the world marks International Women’s Day, the United Nations has urged global efforts to ensure rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.
In his message ahead of the occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of gender equality, stating, “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive.” However, he also warned, “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.”
Reflecting on three decades of progress since the Beijing Conference, Guterres stressed the importance of gender-equal societies in fostering prosperity and peace. “When the doors of equal opportunity are open for women and girls, everyone wins. Equal societies are more prosperous and peaceful – and the foundation of sustainable development.”
He called for concrete actions, including financial investments in gender equality, closing the pay gap, ensuring decent work opportunities, implementing stronger laws against gender-based violence, and increasing women’s participation in decision-making, particularly in peacebuilding.
Guterres also highlighted global frameworks like the UN Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact as guides for these efforts. “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive,” he reiterated.
On March 8, 2025, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme emphasizes the need to empower youth, especially young women and adolescent girls, as key drivers of lasting change.