United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed global action to advance International Women’s Day women’s rights, urging governments and societies to address persistent legal discrimination that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide.
In his message marking International Women’s Day, Guterres said this year’s commemoration highlights the urgent need for rights, action and justice for women everywhere. Despite decades of advocacy and policy reforms, he noted that women still do not enjoy the same legal protections as men in many parts of the world.
“Worldwide, women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men,” he stated, warning that discriminatory laws continue to shape the daily lives and opportunities of women.
Discriminatory laws still affecting women globally
The UN chief explained that legal discrimination often affects critical aspects of women’s lives, from property ownership and employment to family rights and personal safety.
In some countries, women are unable to own property, seek a divorce or take up employment without the consent of their husbands.
He also pointed out that serious legal gaps remain in protecting women from violence. “In more than 40 countries, marital rape is not recognized as a crime,” he said, stressing that other laws still restrict women’s access to education, their ability to pass citizenship to their children and even their freedom of movement.
According to Guterres, even where laws exist to protect women’s rights, weak enforcement and systemic discrimination often make it difficult for women to seek justice through the courts.
Call to defend progress on gender equality
The Secretary-General warned that progress made over decades is now under threat in many parts of the world. He pointed to rising authoritarianism, political instability and renewed efforts to reinforce patriarchal systems as factors contributing to the rollback of key gender equality gains.
“Hard-won advances are being rolled back — from fairer work protections to sexual and reproductive rights'.
“When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls, everywhere.” - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
Guterres urged the global community to reaffirm its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda by confronting discriminatory laws and defending existing progress.
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