World, Feb 27: As the world marks International Women’s Day, global leaders and advocates are renewing calls for urgent, practical action to close the gender gap and build a more equal future.Reflecting on nearly a decade at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres said the world has been repeatedly tested by climate disasters, rising poverty, violent conflicts and shrinking civic freedoms. Yet amid those crises, he noted, one constant has emerged: meaningful and lasting solutions often have women at their core.Despite progress in many regions, inequality remains deeply entrenched.
Globally, women enjoy only about two-thirds of the legal rights available to men. In several countries, women still face restrictions on owning property, working freely, or seeking divorce. Even where legal protections are in place, barriers such as limited access to legal aid and courts can prevent women from exercising their rights fully.Advocates say dismantling discriminatory laws must go hand in hand with ensuring enforcement and accountability.Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based ViolenceOne of the most urgent priorities highlighted this year is eliminating gender-based violence. From domestic abuse to sexual exploitation, violence against women remains pervasive across continents.Campaigners stress that silence and stigma often shield perpetrators, while survivors struggle to access justice and support. Governments and institutions are being urged to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, strengthen accountability mechanisms and expand survivor services.Tackling Bias in the Digital AgeAs digital technologies become central to everyday life, experts warn that gender inequality is being replicated — and sometimes amplified — online.
Women currently make up only around one-quarter of the global technology workforce, raising concerns about bias embedded in algorithms and artificial intelligence systems.There is also growing alarm over online harassment and misogyny. Policymakers and technology companies are being called upon to create safer digital spaces and to invest in education and opportunities that encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.Gender and the Climate CrisisClimate change has also emerged as a critical gender issue. In many parts of the world, women and girls are disproportionately affected by food shortages, displacement and economic instability caused by extreme weather events. In times of crisis, girls face heightened risks of child marriage and interrupted education.At the same time, women are playing leading roles in climate action — from shaping environmental legislation to spearheading grassroots sustainability movements.Advocates argue that climate strategies must be gender-responsive, ensuring women have equal access to green jobs, adequate protection during disasters and a seat at the decision-making table.
Turning Commitments into ChangeAcross conflict zones, classrooms, parliaments and community organizations, examples of progress offer hope. But leaders emphasize that symbolic gestures are not enough.International Women’s Day, they say, should be a catalyst for concrete commitments — from reforming discriminatory laws and ending violence, to closing digital divides and embedding gender equality into climate policy.The message is clear: advancing women’s rights is not only a moral imperative but also essential to building resilient economies, stable societies and a sustainable planet. If governments act decisively now, advocates argue, the benefits will extend far beyond women and girls — shaping a fairer world for everyone.
