On this International Women’s Day, Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasizes the importance of marching forward with urgency and solidarity for all women and girls, celebrating their diversity. Dr. Kanem’s message for IWD 2025 focuses on how gender equality unlocks the potential of half of humanity, leading to safer and more prosperous societies for all.
As we reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights, Dr. Kanem reminds us of the challenges that still persist. Despite international agreements and evidence supporting gender equality, no country has achieved full gender parity. Millions of women and girls continue to be marginalized, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgency of the situation:
- Every three seconds, an adolescent girl is forced into marriage somewhere in the world.
- Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl falls victim to intimate partner violence or family abuse.
- The intersection of armed conflict and climate disasters exacerbates existing inequalities, with women and girls bearing the brunt of unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, violence, and child marriage.
The UNFPA reiterates its commitment to working with partners, governments, and civil society to uphold the rights of women and girls. However, the road to gender equality requires collective action and sustained efforts to address the systemic barriers that hinder progress.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us stand together in solidarity, championing the rights of women and girls worldwide. It is only through unity and collaboration that we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
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