Around the world and through the decades, we have all shared in the global struggle for gender equality.
The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. Legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from having the same choice of jobs as men. Less than 25% of parliamentarians are women. One in three women experiences gender-based violence. International Women’s Day, 8 March, is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. This year’s theme, , is aligned with ’s campaign marking the of the . Let’s make 2020 count for women and girls everywhere!
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Global Issues:
Gender Equality
The 600 million adolescent girls in the world have infinite potential, but they need support to realize it. To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, we go behind the scenes with six young women - a dancer, an educator, a future leader, an adviser and an advocate- who are working with the 51³Ô¹Ï Population Fund () to make a difference or benefiting from those initiatives, inspiring hope for us all.
Despite progress, 122 million girls remain out of school, inspiring a video for the 2024 International Day of the Girl.
A year has passed since war erupted in Gaza, causing immense suffering, especially for women and girls. More than 41,600 people have been killed, and 96,000 injured, so far, with most of those killed women and children. Palestinian women and girls from Gaza have reportedly been subjected to horrific levels of sexual violence, including while in detention. The 51³Ô¹Ï Population Fund () looked back at the immense challenges faced by women and girls over the past 12 months.
Thuraya (85), Kholoud (28), and Leen (14) reflect the profound pain and , shaped by displacement and conflict across generations, highlighting their strength amid ongoing suffering.
The consequences of crises disproportionately affect women. Even though most combatants are male, over two-thirds of civilians killed in conflict are women and children. Women and girls also make up the majority of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. However, male-dominated fighting forces and majority-male policymakers often lead peacebuilding processes. What role do women and young people play in promoting peace, and how does the 51³Ô¹Ï Population Fund () empower them to participate?
With just six years to go until the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, UN Women's new highlights gender equality trends and identifies six actions that could be game changers.
Almost ninety percent of the population of Gaza – 1.9 million people – have been displaced at least once by evacuation orders issued by Israeli Defense Forces, searching for something that does not exist: safety. The war in Gaza has rendered pregnancy unsafe for women. Ongoing hostilities, repeated evacuation orders, a breakdown in public order and safety, and the challenges of reaching people in need are preventing an effective humanitarian response. The 51³Ô¹Ï Population Fund () and partners continue to provide support despite the insurmountable circumstances, but the only way to ensure that people have access to the basics to survive is with an immediate and sustained ceasefire.
International Equal Pay Day (18 September) represents the ongoing efforts to achieve equal pay for work of equal value and promote gender equality. Globally, women are paid around 20% less than men, and recognizing the importance of equal pay is crucial for human rights and empowerment. The UN and its agencies call on member states, civil society, businesses, and organizations to work towards equal pay for work of equal value and the economic empowerment of women and girls. The Sustainable Development Goals also emphasize the need to achieve gender equality and promote decent work for all.
After months of being repeatedly displaced around Gaza, Malak, 22, faced an uncertain three hour drive to reach the hospital when she went into labor.
Salma Akter Aduri’s family, potato farmers from Rangpur, Bangladesh, struggled to sell their cash crops at a profitable price. Facing dire circumstances, it looked like they would be forced to either give up their land or take high-interest loans from moneylenders, they joined the Birahim Farmer’s Cooperative, which received support through the Missing Middle Initiative. This initiative, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51³Ô¹Ï () and funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program ( worked with farmers to improve access to finance, markets, technology, and information.
Salma Akter Aduri’s family, potato farmers from Rangpur, Bangladesh, struggled to sell their cash crops at a profitable price. Facing dire circumstances, it looked like they would be forced to either give up their land or take high-interest loans from moneylenders, they joined the Birahim Farmer’s Cooperative, which received support through the Missing Middle Initiative. This initiative, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51³Ô¹Ï () and funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program ( worked with farmers to improve access to finance, markets, technology, and information.
At the in East Jerusalem, young people interact with Q-Robot, which looks like a toy but teaches students about digital safety and addresses topics such as bullying and social media. The facility develops creative apps for digital literacy and well-being. The centre offers recreational and vocational activities to Palestinian youth in the West Bank, supported by the 51³Ô¹Ï Population Fund (). Similar initiatives are also supported in Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, and Tunisia.