HARARE, March 7 (NewsDay Live) - Nearly a quarter of governments worldwide reported setbacks in women’s rights in 2024, a new UN Women report released Thursday to coincide with commemorations of International Women’s Day says.
The report highlighted growing global threats to gender equality, including increased discrimination, weaker legal protections, and declining funding for programmes that support women.
Titled: "Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing," the report marks 30 years since the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
It warns that despite past progress, women and girls continue to face alarming challenges, from rising violence to digital discrimination.
According to the report, a woman or girl is killed by a family member every 10 minutes, and the number of women living in conflict zones has surged by 50% in the past decade.
In a statement, UN secretary-general António Guterres condemned the growing hostility toward women’s rights.
“Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny,” Guterres said.
“Together, we must stand firm in making human rights, equality, and empowerment a reality for all women and girls.”
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The report also outlined six key areas for urgent action through the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.
These include expanding digital access, eradicating poverty, eliminating violence, increasing women’s leadership, ensuring gender-responsive humanitarian aid, and advancing climate justice.
UN Women executive director Sima Bahous emphasised the need for continued commitment towards preservation of women and girls' rights.
