Women have only 64% of the legal rights available to men worldwide.The new report from the UN Secretary-General emphasizes that in more than half of the countries in the world, rape is often not defined based on the principle of consent, which can lead to women becoming victims of violence while the law does not recognize it as a crime.
In almost 75% of countries, girls can be married off against their will, and in 44% of countries, there are no laws requiring equal pay for equal work, resulting in women earning less for similar jobs.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous noted: "When women and girls are denied justice, it harms not only them but also undermines public trust in institutions of power and weakens the rule of law. A system that ignores the needs of half the population cannot claim to be just."
There is a rise in violations of the rights of women and girls in courts, online, and in conflict zones. Laws are enacted to restrict freedoms and allow abuses without consequences.The report also notes that with the rapid advancement of technology, the number of cases of digital violence is increasing. In conflict situations, rape is used as a weapon of war, and in the last two years, the number of reported cases of sexual violence has increased by 87%.
Nevertheless, the UN Secretary-General's report shows that progress is possible: 87% of countries have adopted laws against domestic violence, and more than 40 countries have strengthened constitutional guarantees for the protection of the rights of women and girls over the past decade.
However, as the UN emphasizes, it is not enough to simply have laws. Discriminatory norms, stigma, societal pressure, and fear continue to silence victims and obstruct justice, allowing even the most serious forms of violence, such as femicide, to go unpunished.
Ahead of International Women's Day, UN Women calls for an end to impunity and for the rule of law and equality not only in the legal sphere but also in everyday life.
The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which will take place from March 9 to 19, provides a unique opportunity to draw attention to issues of discrimination and ensure justice.
Sima Bahous emphasized: "It is time to speak out – for rights, for justice, and for action, so that every woman and every girl can feel safe, express themselves freely, and live as equals."
The photo on the main page is illustrative: "UN Women" / R. Brown (Demonstration in support of women's rights in 2017 in New York).
