UN launches gender equality plan

The UN on Wednesday launched a bold new action agenda to boost rights and achieve gender equality.

The UN launched the plan at a high-level event on the sidelines of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69th session at UN headquarters in New York.

In a video message delivered by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, she called 2025, a year for a “call to action” as women and girls face unimaginable challenges.

“Armed conflicts continue in many parts of the world and the scourge of violence claims the lives of women every day.

“With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, this must be our turning point to succeed in our aspirations to achieving gender equality,” she said, pledging the UN’s commitment to taking “bold actions”, including the UN chief’s clarion call.

“Let’s seize this opportunity. Let’s ensure our commitments translate into lasting impact.”

According to her, the agenda has adolescent girls and young women at its core and also focuses on financing for gender equality and mobilising gender data.

“From embarking on a digital revolution to fill the gaping gender divide to ensuring a seat at decision making tables, the new plan builds on the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which presented a blueprint for achieving gender equality and advancing women’s rights.”

UN Women Chief, Sima Bahous, said, “Today, we take stock of the situation of women and girls. However, despite some gains, these are not enough.

“Women still face targeted violence, bear the brunt of climate change consequences and often remain on the sidelines of decision making.

“It is the moment to push forward,” she said. “We will not step back. Now, we must transform commitments into results.”

The Beijing+30 Action Agenda aims to achieve the following for all women and girls: a digital revolution, freedom from poverty, zero violence, full and equal decision-making power, an equal say in peace and security matters as well as climate justice.

High-level UN officials launched the new action agenda as the commission continues its 69th session (CSW69) – the world’s largest conference on women – which runs from March 10 to March 21.

The overarching goal is to build on the UN Secretary-General’s latest review and the newly adopted CSW69 Political Declaration.

It also aims to align the Beijing+30 Action Agenda with national priorities and the ambitious push to achieve the internationally agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“Together, these six actions will help to realise the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action and accelerate delivery of the SDGs,” according to UN Women.

At the launch, Bahous said: “Together, we choose action over apathy. We choose to ignite the spirit of the Beijing Declaration once again.”

During the launch event, panel discussions with government representatives, experts and UN officials covered the six action areas, highlighting gains made and challenges ahead.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

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