Women's Rights Advocates Push for Equal Protections Worldwide
In 2025, women's rights advocates across the globe are intensifying efforts to secure equal protections amid a resurgence of regressive policies and societal pushback. Despite decades of progress, no country has yet achieved full gender equality, and recent developments have underscored the fragility of these gains.AP News
At the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, all 193 member states reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality. This recommitment comes in response to a notable backlash against women's rights worldwide, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning that women's rights are under siege, facing reversals in hard-earned gains and new forms of patriarchal oppression. The declaration from this session emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships with men and boys, promoting women's access to credit and entrepreneurship, reducing unpaid care work, closing the gender digital divide, ensuring access to quality education, and preventing violence against women and girls. UN Press+2UN Women+2AP News+2AP News
In Africa, activists are mobilizing against a series of conservative conferences promoting anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, and anti-sex education agendas. These gatherings, backed by influential ultra-conservative figures from the US and Europe, are seen as efforts to entrench colonial-era laws and suppress reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights. Human rights defenders are preparing for an intensified struggle to protect liberties amid growing international anti-rights influence. The Guardian+1CIVICUS LENS+1
In Australia, concerns over misogyny and youth radicalization have been amplified following a deadly mass stabbing in April 2024. Experts warn of a disturbing trend where online misogynistic discourse is normalizing violence and influencing youth. The incident has prompted governmental recognition of the need for stronger frameworks to address gender-based violence.
Amid these challenges, initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative—a collaboration between the United Nations and the E