Women’s rights are under growing attack. Discrimination is rising, legal protections are weakening, and funding for key programs is shrinking. The fight for gender equality faces serious setbacks.
UN Women’s latest report, Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, paints a concerning picture. In 2024, nearly a quarter of governments reported a regression in women’s rights. The crisis demands immediate action.
Despite decades of advocacy, true gender equality remains out of reach. Only 87 nations have had a female leader. Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl dies at the hands of a family member. Harmful gender biases spread through digital technology, while limited access to digital tools curbs women’s opportunities.
Over the past decade, conflicts have displaced millions, with a 50% rise in the number of women and girls affected. Women’s rights defenders face daily harassment, violence, and even assassination. Global crises like COVID-19, climate change, and economic instability further deepen these challenges.
URGENT CALLS FOR ACTION
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the crisis: “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Yet, women’s rights are under attack. Instead of mainstreaming equality, we see the mainstreaming of misogyny.”
UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous reinforced the urgency: “Women and girls are demanding change—and they deserve nothing less.”
30 YEARS SINCE BEIJING: A DEFINING MOMENT
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most ambitious blueprint for gender equality. As the world marks 30 years since its adoption, UN Women’s report highlights key progress:
- Gender parity in girls’ education
- A 33% decline in maternal mortality
- Women’s representation in parliaments more than doubling
- 1,531 legal reforms advancing gender equality in 189 countries
Yet, these gains are fragile. Without bold action, progress could unravel.
BEIJING+30 ACTION AGENDA: A PATH FORWARD
The Beijing+30 Action Agenda outlines six urgent priorities to accelerate gender equality:
1. Closing the Digital Divide
- Ensure equal access to technology
- Equip women for leadership in AI and digital innovation
- Guarantee online safety and privacy
2. Ending Poverty for Women and Girls
- Expand social protection, healthcare, and education
- Strengthen care services to empower women
- Create millions of green and sustainable jobs
3. Eliminating Gender-Based Violence
- Strengthen legal protections
- Fund organizations combating violence
- Support prevention and survivor assistance programs
4. Ensuring Equal Leadership and Representation
- Implement gender quotas to increase female participation
- Promote leadership roles in politics and business
5. Securing Women’s Role in Peace and Security
- Fully fund gender-responsive humanitarian aid
- Support grassroots women’s organizations in conflict zones
6. Advancing Climate Justice for Women
- Prioritize women’s rights in climate adaptation policies
- Recognize female leadership in environmental sustainability
- Ensure access to green job opportunities
7. Youth as Agents of Change
Empowering young women and girls is critical to sustaining progress for future generations.
FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION
The upcoming UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) is a crucial opportunity to turn the Beijing+30 roadmap into concrete policies. Governments and global organizations must commit to enforcing these measures.
A Defining Year for Women’s Rights
2025 is a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality. The threats are real, but the movement for women’s rights remains strong. With collective action and commitment, an equal future is still possible.
Now is the time to stand up, push forward, and create a world where every woman and girl enjoys full rights and opportunities.