A new report by UN Women has highlighted a troubling trend: nearly a quarter of governments worldwide reported a pushback on women’s rights in 2024. The findings, published in Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, come ahead of the 50th International Women’s Day on 8 March, raising urgent concerns about the state of gender equality.
Despite decades of progress, multiple global crises—including economic instability, climate change, conflicts, and political resistance—are actively reversing hard-won gains for women and girls. While 87 nations have seen female leaders at some point in history, true gender parity remains distant.
One of the most alarming statistics in the report is the ongoing violence against women. According to UN Women, a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a family member or intimate partner. Meanwhile, the digital world is exacerbating inequalities, with AI and social media platforms reinforcing harmful stereotypes, while women and girls continue to be underrepresented in the technology sector.
Conflicts have also taken a heavy toll. Over the past decade, the number of women and girls directly affected by war has surged by 50 per cent, placing them at greater risk of violence and displacement. Women’s rights activists are facing increasing threats, harassment, and even death for their advocacy.
The report warns that major global crises—ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to rising food and fuel prices—are not only slowing gender equality efforts but reversing them.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked International Women’s Day with a strong message: “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Yet, instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.” He urged collective action, stating, “Together, we must stand firm in making human rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere.”
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, echoed the urgency of the moment: “Complex challenges stand in the way of gender equality and women’s empowerment, but we remain steadfast.” She reinforced the importance of continued action, adding, “Women and girls are demanding change – and they deserve nothing less.”
