The United Nations has lamented that women across the world still enjoy only 64 per cent of the legal rights available to men, warning that gender inequality remains one of the greatest human rights challenges globally.
The concern was raised by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, in an op-Ed issued on Tuesday to mark International Women’s Day and Women’s Month.
Guterres highlighted eight actions drawn from his own experience and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results.
Guterres said discriminatory laws and barriers continue to prevent many women from accessing equal opportunities and justice.
“Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce,” he stated.
According to him, even in countries where legal protections exist, women often face greater obstacles in accessing courts and legal assistance.
“Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws and to enforcing rights in practice,” he said.
The UN chief described gender inequality as one of the most pressing issues facing the global community, noting that advancing equality would accelerate sustainable development and peace.
“Gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time and advancing is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace,” Guterres added.
He also warned that women remain under-represented in political and economic decision-making structures around the world.
“Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe,” he noted.
Guterres further highlighted the importance of investing in women and girls, stating that spending on girls’ education, maternal health and family support systems generates significant economic and social returns.
The UN Secretary-General also called for greater inclusion of women in peace negotiations, stronger action against gender-based violence, and the elimination of bias in emerging technologies.
He emphasised that women must also play a central role in climate action, noting they are often among the most vulnerable to its impacts.
“A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies and equal participation of women in environmental decision-making,” he said.
Guterres urged governments, institutions and civil society to commit to practical actions that would accelerate gender equality worldwide.
“If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to these solutions now, we will change the world, for women and girls, and for us all,” he added.
He urged that the gap in gender parity be addressed, stating that gender equality is a question of power but that male-dominated institutions still shape the world.
He added that a rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections from fair work practices to reproductive rights and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back.
He stressed that gender equality lifts societies, noting that when power is shared, freedom expands.
Gender equality, or equality of the sexes, is the fundamental human right ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, enjoy equal rights, resources, opportunities, and protections.
It involves eliminating discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice to allow everyone to develop their abilities freely.
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