Spur Action for Feminism by 2025: Immediate Steps You Should Take
The United Nations is calling on governments worldwide to act boldly and decisively for all women and girls, as the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) takes place in New York from 10 to 21 March. On this International Women's Day (8 March), UN Women is calling for greater ambition and action with the global campaign #ForAllWomenAndGirls.
The campaign aims to address current inequalities thirty years after the most revolutionary agreement on gender equality was adopted. It urges individuals to step up for gender equality in their own lives, including in their work, communities, families, and relationships.
Six actions can make a real difference towards gender equality: digital revolution, freedom from poverty, zero violence, full and equal decision-making power, peace and security, and climate justice. However, the campaign does not explicitly mention these actions.
One of the key actions is adopting, implementing, and funding national laws and policies that signal zero impunity towards violence against women and support local women's organisations. The UN is also calling for the adoption of fully financed national plans to increase women's meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and security and to fund women's organisations in crises and conflict settings.
As the climate crisis and biodiversity loss accelerate, women and girls - especially in rural and indigenous communities - bear the brunt of its devastating effects. The campaign prioritises women's and girls' rights and leadership in climate action by increasing investment in and their access to green jobs, like care, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.
Citizens can support gender equality by actively opposing discrimination and violence against women, advocating for equal participation in political, economic, and public life, recognising unpaid care work, promoting women's access to health and property rights, and supporting policies that advance gender equality. Engaging in mentoring and political participation programs that empower women and raising awareness about gender stereotypes contribute to progress.
The campaign encourages individuals to demand leaders enforce gender equality laws, support women's rights organisations, educate the next generation on gender equality, amplify the voices of those most left behind, speak out against gender stereotypes, bias, and discrimination, and advocate for women in leadership.
Closing the digital gender divide could save US$500 billion over the next five years, and closing care gaps could create 300 million jobs by 2035. However, these potential savings and job creation are not explicitly mentioned in the campaign.
Individuals are also encouraged to follow UN Women for updates and connect with fellow change-makers. The CSW69 will review progress in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action and assess a series of global, regional, and 150 national reports.
As around the world, decisions affecting women's lives are still made overwhelmingly by men, it is crucial to invest in national budgets to strengthen social protection, public services, particularly care services, to give women an equal chance to prosper and fight poverty. Technology must be a force for equality, not exclusion, and the UN is supporting the Global Digital Compact to bridge the digital gender divide, ensuring equal access and leadership for all women and girls in technology.
On this International Women's Day, let us all pledge to take action for gender equality and create a more equal and just world for all women and girls.
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