UN Chief Calls for End to Backlash Against Gender Equality
The United Nations Secretary-General has warned that a surge in misogyny and resistance to gender equality threatens to undo decades of progress.
Reversing Progress is Unacceptable
Speaking at an event marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and 25 years since Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, the UN chief stressed the urgent need to protect women’s rights.
“Let me be clear: This is unacceptable, immoral, and self-defeating. We must stop it – and we must stop it together,” he stated.
Civil society leaders at the event voiced concerns over shrinking civic space, inadequate funding for feminist movements, and rising gender-based violence.
Setbacks in Women’s Rights
While acknowledging improvements in maternal health and education, the Secretary-General cautioned that these achievements are in jeopardy.
“Women’s organizations and civil society played a major role in securing those gains. I applaud your efforts. Yet, women and girls still face an appalling array of wrongs,” he said.
A key area of concern was the increasing threats faced by women’s rights defenders.
“Around the world, women’s rights defenders face harassment, threats, and violence – even murder,” he warned.
Civil society representatives pressed for greater inclusion in UN negotiations. In response, the Secretary-General acknowledged the challenge, noting that “power is never given, it must be taken”, and encouraged feminist movements to mobilize.
Gender Parity and Power Imbalances
The Secretary-General underscored the deep-rooted structural inequalities that persist.
“We still live in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture,” he stated.
However, he highlighted the UN’s own progress, noting that gender parity has been achieved in senior leadership, with 53% of high-level positions now held by women. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in field offices in conflict zones where female representation is lower.
The discussion also touched on male domination in technology and engineering, where gender biases in algorithms continue to disadvantage women.
Funding Challenges
A youth representative from Restless Development called for dedicated funding for young feminists, particularly those in conflict zones.
“True inclusion requires co-creation, dedicated funding, and decision-making power for young people at every level,” she emphasized.
The Secretary-General agreed, pointing out that financial support remains insufficient.
“The Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund has raised $100 million since 2023 for this purpose, which is completely inadequate to fully support civil society,” he admitted.
Civil society leaders urged governments and the UN to increase sustainable funding for feminist organizations and improve accessibility to decision-making processes.
A Woman as the Next UN Secretary-General?
As the event drew to a close, a participant from Sociologists for Women in Society asked a long-standing question:
“When will we finally have the first female UN Secretary-General?”
Mr. Guterres responded with humor, acknowledging the crowd’s anticipation:
“I’m not going to apologize for not being a woman,” he said, prompting laughter. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to gender parity within the UN and expressed his hope that future leaders will prioritize equality.
He reiterated the UN’s goal of full gender parity by 2028 and encouraged advocacy for women’s leadership at all levels.
“We share a common vision: a world of equality, where the human rights of women and girls are fully realized. Let’s keep working together to make that vision a reality,” he concluded.
Adoption of a Strong Political Declaration
Later in the day, Member States unanimously adopted a Political Declaration reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Recognizing 2025 as a critical year for advancing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, governments emphasized that gender equality is essential for sustainable development and pledged to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, welcomed the move, stating:
“At a time when hard-fought gains for gender equality are under attack, the global community has come together in a show of unity for all women and girls, everywhere.”
2025: A Defining Year for Gender Equality
The newly adopted Declaration reinforces commitments to women’s leadership in peace and security and addresses emerging challenges such as digital violence, online harassment, and cyberbullying.
Ms. Bahous stressed the urgency of action, reminding Member States that no country has yet achieved full gender equality.
*”2025
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