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International Women's Day

Women's Rights Under Siege: Global Backlash and Progress Uncertain

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the world marks International Women's Day on Wednesday, the United Nations has warned that the world is 300 years away from gender equality, with hard-won progress toward the goal "vanishing before our eyes." According to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, "women's rights are being abused, threatened and violated around the world." The past year has seen significant setbacks for women's rights in various parts of the globe. From Iran to the United States, women have faced intensified repression, violence, and marginalization. At the same time, women have continued to play a crucial role in shaping their countries' futures, whether through peaceful protests or leadership positions.

Key Takeaways:

  • In Iran, women have taken an active role in anti-government protests, with over 530 people killed and 19,000 arrested as of February 21. Despite the high cost, the protests have continued for months, with a recent wave of suspected poisonings among schoolgirls sparking an investigation.
  • The Taliban has severely restricted women's rights in Afghanistan, with promises to allow girls to return to secondary school unfulfilled and recent restrictions banning women from attending universities and working for international organizations.
  • Since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, over a dozen states have banned most abortions, with courts blocking bans in several other states while legal challenges proceed. The UN human rights chief has described this as a "major setback" for women's human rights and gender equality.
  • Women remain underrepresented in government, with only 31 countries having a woman serving as a head of state or government as of January. Recent high-profile resignations of female leaders, including Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon, have sparked discussion about sexism and personal attacks faced by women in leadership positions.
  • Prominent female leaders, including Jacinda Ardern and others, have faced sexism and personal attacks, with incidents such as online misogynistic comments and doctored images used to promote hatred against them.

Statistics:

  • Over 530 people have been killed and over 19,000 arrested in Iran as of February 21.
  • In Afghanistan, over 24 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, with women playing a crucial role in providing aid.
  • In the US, over a dozen states have banned most abortions since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.
  • As of January 2023, only 31 countries had a woman serving as a head of state or government.
  • Over 19,000 women have been arrested in Iran for participating in anti-government protests.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post:
  • HRANA (Human Rights Activists in Iran):
  • U.N. Women:
  • United Nations Secretary General António Guterres:

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