Guterres warns of spreading "wave of misogyny"

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Monday of a "wave of misogyny" spreading across the world and that hard-won gains in gender equality are currently "under attack."

At a high-level meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Guterres assessed that the progress envisioned in Beijing 30 years ago has been slow and uneven, stressing that "no nation" has achieved full equality for women and girls.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number five, which concerns gender equality, “is far behind schedule” and, meanwhile, “conflicts and climate disasters are multiplying,” with “the human rights of women and girls being victims of both,” said Guterres.

"Cultural and structural barriers remain entrenched. Technology is spreading hate like a virus. And a wave of misogyny is sweeping the world. Let's be clear: equal rights and opportunities are not a partisan issue. They are global imperatives and the foundation of peace, prosperity, and progress," the UN leader argued.

The former Portuguese Prime Minister emphasized that in every region, every country, and every community, women and girls fight for their rights and demand freedoms, combat abusive practices, mobilize for legal protections, and organize to take their rightful place at the table in decision-making and peace processes.

"The United Nations supports these efforts. All leaders must do the same," he urged, making it clear "that tradition cannot excuse oppression."

The Secretary-General noted that earlier this year, Member States took an important step forward on this issue by adopting a new political declaration committing to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action “expeditiously and fully.”

"All countries must assume this responsibility. We need strong and visible support at the highest levels—and concrete plans, backed by real investment," he urged.

Within the United Nations, Guterres said the organization has managed to achieve and maintain gender parity among senior leaders.

“We will continue to work to achieve gender parity throughout the organization,” he assured.

However, despite these efforts, the UN has never been led by a woman.

At the end of next year, António Guterres will finish his second term and a new UN Secretary-General will be elected, with strong pressure for the position to be filled by a woman, which would be the first time in the organization's 80 years.

However, the possibility of Guterres being replaced by a woman appears to be fading, as Latin America—the region that, according to a strong consensus, is expected to present a candidate for the succession—has been unable to agree on a name, with several being considered without sufficient support.

"Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration declared women's rights to be human rights. Today, in this room, we need to hear how you will make these ambitions a reality," said Guterres, addressing the leaders attending the event, held during the High-Level Week of the 80th UN General Assembly.

"Let us hear your commitments. Let us see your plans. Let us achieve the equality for women and girls that our world so desperately needs," she concluded.

Monday's meeting will reflect on progress made since the historic 1995 conference in Beijing and highlight achievements, best practices, gaps and ongoing challenges in advancing gender equality around the world.

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