The global fight for gender equality has reached a critical juncture as nearly a quarter of governments worldwide report a backlash against women’s rights, according to a new UN Women report released ahead of International Women’s Day. The findings point to a significant regression in key areas, from legal protections to funding cuts, raising concerns about the erosion of hard-won progress.
The report, Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, examines global progress since the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which set a blueprint for gender equality. While some advances have been made, including improvements in girls’ education and maternal health, the growing pushback in multiple countries signals a worrying trend. This backlash, the report states, manifests in weakened laws, reduced funding for women’s rights initiatives, and the mainstreaming of misogynistic rhetoric in political and public discourse.
Governments acknowledging this regression cited various factors, including political instability, rising conservatism, and economic crises that deprioritise gender equality measures. The report highlights how digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, has further entrenched gender bias, spreading harmful stereotypes while exacerbating the digital divide that limits women’s access to economic and educational opportunities.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the growing resistance to gender equality, stating, “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.” His remarks highlight growing unease about the rise of anti-rights movements that are actively working to reverse legislative and social gains for women and girls.
Violence against women remains one of the most persistent and devastating issues. A woman or girl is killed by a family member every 10 minutes, and conflict-related sexual violence is on the rise. Despite legal reforms, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving survivors without adequate protection or recourse. The report warns that without sustained action, gender-based violence will continue to undermine women’s safety, rights, and participation in society.
The political representation of women also remains a glaring issue. Since 1995, the number of women in parliaments has more than doubled, yet men still occupy the vast majority of leadership positions. Only 87 countries have ever had a woman as head of state or government. Temporary measures such as gender quotas have improved representation in some nations, but without enforcement and institutional changes, progress remains slow.
Another key concern is the impact of economic downturns on gender equality. The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and budget constraints have led to funding cuts for women’s rights organisations, particularly at the grassroots level, where advocacy and direct services are most needed. The report notes that while governments have been quick to allocate funds for military and economic recovery, investment in gender equality remains insufficient.
UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s rights, calling for renewed global action. The report outlines a “Beijing+30 Action Agenda” with six key areas of focus, including closing the digital gender gap, eradicating violence, increasing women’s decision-making power, and ensuring women’s full participation in peace processes and climate justice efforts.
The findings serve as a reminder that progress is not guaranteed. Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, gender equality remains fragile, with gains threatened by changing political priorities and social attitudes. As the world marks International Women’s Day, the report urges governments, civil society, and individuals to push back against the rollback and ensure that equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality for all women and girls.