UN Women has urged the international community to reinforce efforts toward achieving rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls, emphasizing that gender equality remains a pressing global priority. Marking the 50th International Women’s Day on March 8, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous underscored the urgency of action in her keynote address at the UN commemoration.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful moment, and this year more than ever. The cause of gender equality has never been more urgent, nor the obstacles in our way more apparent; but our determination has never been more unshakeable,” she stated. Bahous reiterated that true equality must be inclusive and universal, encapsulated in this year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls. Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
She emphasized that any form of conditional equality contradicts the fundamental principle of justice. “The world has promised rights, equality, and empowerment to all women and girls, everywhere, always. And this promise has yet to be realized,” she added. Highlighting the role of women across all sectors, she pointed out that gender equality is a key driver of progress.
UN Women urges inclusive policies for women and girls
“From governments to boardrooms, from classrooms to households, women’s equality is the greatest solution, and we know that,” she said, citing studies and projects that reinforce the positive impact of inclusive policies. Bahous also stressed the necessity of women’s participation in decision-making, particularly in conflict resolution and governance.
“Women bear the heaviest burdens of conflict, displacement, hardship, and loss. Yet, we know that when women are at the table, peace is broader, more inclusive, and more enduring,” she asserted. The Executive Director further highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of gender equality.
“When women’s voices are heard equally, societies thrive. When women lead, economies prosper. We know all this. Now, we must act on it,” she urged, calling for concrete measures to fulfill long-standing commitments to women’s rights and leadership. As the global community reflects on five decades of International Women’s Day, UN Women reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that women and girls worldwide can lead and thrive, urging lasting and inclusive change. – By EuroWire News Desk.