The United Nations Women has issued a warning that over 340 million women and girls worldwide will remain in extreme poverty by 2030 if steps are not taken to combat discrimination and disparities. The organization also cautioned that nearly one in four women will face moderate to severe food insecurity, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to dismantle barriers to women’s empowerment and equitable treatment.
These remarks were made by Executive Director Sima Bahous during the Generation Equality Midpoint event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Bahous cited recent research from UN Women, underscoring the obstacles and immediate priorities for hastening progress towards gender parity.
Bahous stated, “We gather on the brink of the SDG Summit, confronted by the challenges and the pressing imperatives to accelerate progress… According to our latest research, if things continue at their current pace, over 340 million women and girls will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030, and nearly one in four will experience moderate or severe food insecurity.”
She further emphasized the need for renewed determination and a collective will to alter this trajectory, with Generation Equality presenting an opportunity for such transformation. Bahous emphasized the belief in feminist ideals, the profound impact of gender equality, and the potential for far-reaching benefits.
Bahous also praised the accomplishments of various stakeholders over the past two years, noting substantial strides in gender equality initiatives, including significant financial commitments and a wide range of programs and policies.
She concluded by asserting that this moment represents a pivotal opportunity to combat gender inequality and put an end to setbacks, regressions, and inadequate investments and actions. Bahous emphasized a steadfast commitment to the cause and called for an end to systemic injustices.
The event, which featured panels with the President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, also advocated for an action plan against various forms of violence towards women and girls, including child marriages and the oppression of women by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Additionally, global leaders were urged to consider categorizing inequalities and injustices against women as international crimes, and to refrain from removing the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations.