Gender inequality biggest human rights challenge we face un chief
You're referring to a recent statement made by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres.
On International Women's Day (March 8, 2021), Secretary-General Guterres stated that "gender inequality is the biggest human rights challenge we face today." He emphasized that despite progress made in recent decades, women and girls continue to face discrimination, violence, and marginalization, and that gender inequality is a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting peace, justice, and human rights.
Guterres highlighted several key areas where gender inequality persists, including:
- Economic inequality: Women are still paid less than men for the same work, and they are more likely to live in poverty.
- Violence against women: One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often at the hands of someone they know.
- Political inequality: Women are underrepresented in political decision-making positions, holding only about 25% of seats in national parliaments.
- Education inequality: Girls are still less likely to complete secondary education than boys, and women are more likely to be illiterate.
- Health inequality: Women and girls are more likely to die in childbirth, and they have limited access to healthcare and reproductive rights.
Guterres emphasized that addressing gender inequality requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from governments, civil society, and individuals. He called for increased investment in girls' education, women's economic empowerment, and efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
The UN Secretary-General's statement underscores the urgent need for collective action to address gender inequality and promote gender justice.