This year's International Women's Day, celebrated on 8 March, shines a spotlight on justice. However, a recent report by UN Women reveals that the systems designed to safeguard women and girls are failing, leaving millions vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and impunity amidst a global surge in resistance to gender equality and violations of fundamental rights.
Worldwide, women continue to lack equal legal rights compared to men, with setbacks observed in the protection of women and girls against domestic violence despite progress in many countries.
At the UN Headquarters in New York and online this month, several events are taking place:
- Youth Forum: Voices without Borders The CSW70 Youth Forum, Voices Without Borders, happening on 8 March at the UN Headquarters, will bring together 200 young feminists and allies to address systemic injustices and advocate for transformative solutions through storytelling and strategic dialogues.
- Commission on the Status of Women From 9 to 19 March, the UN will host CSW70, the largest annual forum dedicated to gender equality and women's rights. The outcomes of CSW influence laws, policies, funding, and accountability globally.
The focus of this year's CSW70 is on rights, justice, and action for all women and girls, serving as a crucial test to determine whether the world will unite to deliver equality under the law or allow injustice to persist unchecked.
The UN will observe International Women's Day on 9 March at the General Assembly Hall before the start of CSW70, emphasizing the importance of justice in bridging the gap between rights on paper and rights in reality.
On 10 March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will engage with civil society in a townhall meeting to discuss advancing gender equality and women's rights globally.
A key side event on 11 March will focus on the Role of Parliaments in Achieving Parity in Decision-Making and Ensuring Gender-Responsive Access to Justice for Women and Girls, featuring discussions on legislative actions, eliminating discriminatory laws, and enhancing accountability in justice systems.
Moreover, the CSW High-level Meeting on Violence against Women and Girls on 12 March will bring together Member States to address the need for accelerated implementation of measures to prevent violence and enhance responses for survivors, both online and offline.
Pakistan Story News Desk
