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Around the world and through the decades, we have all shared in the global struggle for gender equality.

The , established in 1995 by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women, is the most comprehensive plan for achieving equal rights for all women and girls. It focuses on , including jobs and economy, political participation, peace, the environment, ending violence against women and more. As we approach the 30th anniversary in 2025, it is crucial to continue the fight for gender equality and equitable power structures for all. Are you ready?! 

“Peace is a prerequisite. It's so critical for development… for unleashing the potential of the little girls. Peace is so important for enabling mothers, widows to give the best they can.”

Having grown up in war-torn rural Zimbabwe, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda overcame extreme hardship to pursue a career at the highest levels of the 51�Թ�. Now UN Assistant Secretary-General, and one of two deputy executive directors of UN Women, she wants little girls everywhere to aspire to the same heights.

“Never let your circumstances determine your future. They are just a stepping stone to who you truly are.”

UN Women works to uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential. In this episode, Nyaradzayi reflects on a childhood touched by war, poverty and disease, on a lifelong love of learning, and on how a recent accident gave her a new perspective on inequality.

Photo: ©UN Women/Ryan Brown

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a human rights violation that causes lifelong suffering for millions of women and girls. It is a harmful practice that persists due to cultural norms and myths. There are no health benefits and survivors are left with long-lasting trauma. Estimates show , a rise of 15% in the last eight years. The increase is due to population growth in the regions where FGM is most common, such as sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab States. By 2050,  

For thousands of women, the —their murder by partners and family members. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. 

The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the  – a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.

 is the most pervasive human rights violation. , an estimated 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members worldwide.

On average, 140 women and girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. One woman every 10 minutes. Around one in three still suffers physical or sexual violence. This is unacceptable. Ending Violence against Women Day (25 November) urges robust responses, holding perpetrators accountable, accelerating action, and increasing funding to women’s rights movements. The Observance launches the with the latest data and marks the beginning of the to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women. Join us!

To effectively address the rising violence against women and girls in conflict zones, the international community must prioritize their representation, rights, and support in peace and security initiatives.

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.

In the face of severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, Afghan women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage. sheds light on their reality.

The game is changing. For the first time in history, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will see an equal number of men and women competing. This 50:50 representation of athletes makes the Summer Games the first to reach gender equality. With an expected global audience of 3 billion, this year’s Games have been deliberately scheduled to make possible more balanced coverage of all events, putting all athletes in the spotlight. The Games will also feature more women’s and mixed events, offering more opportunities for women to win medals. .

Women's sports are rapidly growing in popularity and influence, with record-breaking achievements and increasing gender parity, yet significant gaps in coverage, leadership, and pay still need to be addressed.

When Natacha Sangwa wanted to learn computer coding, people in her life asked, ‘do you really think you'll be able to handle it?’ Coding needs time and focus that they believed girls lacked. After all, men hold most of the tech jobs. “I was motivated to prove them wrong by learning how to code and pursuing a career in tech,” said Sangwa, who participated in the first coding camp organized under the African Girls Can Code Initiative last year in Rwanda. Sangwa feels that platforms like the African Girls Can Code initiative and Siemens EmpowerHer programme can inspire and encourage more girls to join ICT careers.

In Uganda, amidst the challenges of refugee life, women like Grace Poni, Annet Luka, and Veronica Konga have defied stereotypes and built brighter futures. Grace's determination as a skilled bricklayer has not only provided financial stability for her family in Imvempi Refugee Settlement but has also enabled her to construct her own home. Annet's resilience as the only female carpenter in Omugo II settlement showcases her commitment to challenging gender norms while envisioning a future where she mentors other women in carpentry. Meanwhile, Veronica's journey from subsistence farming to metal fabrication highlights her entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to establish her own business despite the obstacles of limited resources. These women exemplify the transformative impact of vocational training and empowerment programs, not only on their own lives but also on the communities that host them in Uganda.

Over menstruate every month, but many cannot afford menstrual products or access safe water and sanitation. This leads to period poverty, which costs women and girls too much and should be addressed. According to , period poverty refers to the struggle to afford and access menstrual products, adequate sanitation, and hygiene facilities, as well as education on managing menstrual health. In essence, period poverty, a global health issue in both rich and poor countries, imposes excessive costs on women and girls, which is an unnecessary burden.