UN leaders, activists mark Beijing anniversary and press for urgent action on gender equality

United Nations leaders, survivors and civil society advocates used an International Women’s Day event at UN headquarters on March 8 to press for faster action on gender equality and to spotlight gaps in protection, political representation and access to technology.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the program by citing longstanding gains and persistent threats to women’s rights, and he framed gender equality as central to peace and development. “We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward, resilient, united, and wavering in our pursuit of ... equality, development, and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity,” Guterres said.

The program brought together UN officials, Goodwill Ambassadors and advocates who underlined several recurring themes: rising gender-based violence, a widening gender digital divide, threats to girls’ education in conflict-affected settings and the need for better-funded, locally led responses.

Why it matters: speakers said progress since the 1995 Beijing conference remains incomplete and, in some places, is being reversed. The event coincided with the 30th…