NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday, the eve of International Women’s Day, that “women’s bodies have become a political battleground.”
He urged global leaders to stand united in the fight for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights, as he reaffirmed his own commitment to tackling the persistent challenges females face worldwide and underscored the need for urgent and comprehensive action on the issue.
Guterres noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration, which enshrined the rights of women as human rights, and called for equality, development and peace for all women.
Since then, he said, progress has been made, including more girls in schools and more women in positions of power, but the path to true gender equality remains fraught with obstacles.
“Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings and reshaped societies,” Guterres added. “Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough.”
He highlighted the effects that ongoing crises all around the world continue to have on women. From the scourge of gender-based violence to pervasive economic inequality, he painted a sobering picture of the challenges women still face.
Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by a partner or family member, Guterres said. Meanwhile, 612 million women and girls live in areas affected by armed conflict, their rights often disregarded. Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labor market, and those who do earn much less than men.
Digital tools, though brimming with promise, also often silence women’s voices, amplify bias, and fuel harassment, he added.
“Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds,” Guterres said. “And online violence is escalating into real-life violence. Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny. We cannot stand by as progress is reversed. We must fight back.”
Despite the setbacks, he said solutions are within reach. He pointed in particular to the UN’s “Spotlight Initiative,” launched in 2016, which he said has made significant strides in combating gender-based violence, prevented 21 million women and girls from experiencing violence, and helped to keep 1 million girls in school.
Its success demonstrates that when global organizations unite behind comprehensive strategies, real change is possible, Guterres added.
As part of the UN’s ongoing efforts to advance the cause of gender equality, he announced the launch of the “Gender Equality Clarion Call,” an initiative that aims to defend and advance the rights of women and girls. It is built around four priorities: unified leadership, action against pushbacks, coordinated impact, and protection for defenders of women’s human rights.
“The Clarion Call is a bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of women and girls,” Guterres said.
He also acknowledged the progress within the UN itself on gender parity, noting that since 2020 the organization has achieved gender balance in its senior leadership positions, including resident coordinators and international professional categories. This, he said, proves that systemic change is achievable through committed, concerted action.
However, Guterres warned that the work is far from done, as he called on governments, businesses and other organizations to take similar steps to advance gender equality.
‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns
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‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns
- Speaking on the eve of International Women’s Day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges world leaders to stand united in fight for gender equality and women’s rights
- ‘Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings and reshaped societies. Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough,” he says
