Thirty years after world leaders adopted a historic blueprint to achieve gender equality, a new United Nations report says women’s and girls’ rights are under attack and gender discrimination remains deeply embedded in economies and societies.
The report, released Thursday by the UN agency, focused on women’s rights and gender equality and found that nearly one-quarter of governments worldwide reported a backlash to women’s rights last year.
The number of countries reporting a backlash is likely underreported and reflects “an increasingly hostile environment,” UN Women’s policy and programme director Sarah Hendriks said at a news conference.
“It is not a new phenomenon,” she said. “What is new is that it’s gaining greater speed and scale and velocity, especially in very patriarchal and traditional nations where men play a dominant role.”
The 35 countries reporting a backlash on gender equality came from across the globe and included Spain, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Brazil, Peru, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Australia, Mongolia, South Africa, Mali and Zimbabwe.
Despite some progress, including improvements in girls’ education and access to family planning, UN Women said a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member and that cases of conflict-related sexual violence have increased by 50 per cent since 2022.
“Globally, women’s human rights are under attack,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.”
He said the world must stand firm “in making human rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere.”
It’s against that backdrop that Barbados joins the rest of the world in observing International Women’s Day under the theme, For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
There is no up-to-date research on how women in Barbados and the Caribbean are being impacted by the issues affecting their international counterparts. However, we know there are challenges.
We also know that Barbadian women have long been at the forefront of progress and change. Women across this country have made notable strides in gender equality, and we are proud of the achievements of all our women, whether in the highest office in the land, the boardroom, beside a hospital bed, serving a meal, sowing seeds, calming a restless child, or caring for an elderly parent. They all matter.
This country has benefited significantly from having women in the workforce and all other sectors. Still, challenges remain that hinder the progress and well-being of women — issues that we must confront.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, in his address to mark International Women’s Day, said the scourge of gender-based violence continues to impede the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women. He announced that his ministry will shortly stage a national consultation on domestic violence in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General.
We look forward to those discussions and call for the country to take a stand against this crime.
We must break the silence on gender-based violence and create a safe and supportive environment where victims feel empowered to speak out, where they know they will be believed and supported. For too long, we have allowed victims to hang their heads in shame and take the blame. We must challenge the toxic masculinity that perpetuates violence and promote a culture of equality and empathy.
We are encouraged that the Office of the Attorney General will be involved in the consultation, as law enforcement, the judiciary, and social services must be equipped and trained to handle cases of domestic violence with far greater sensitivity and efficiency. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions, and victims must have access to comprehensive support, including legal aid, counselling, and safe housing.
Equally, greater support is needed for organisations on the frontlines of this fight, including the National Organisation of Women and Advocates Against Domestic Abuse, so they can continue to provide vital services to victims and raise awareness.
Beyond addressing domestic violence this International Women’s Day, Barbados must commit to ensuring that all women and girls have access to quality education and skills training.
Additionally, more can be done to promote women’s health. As natural caregivers, women often neglect their own mental health and well-being. Increased access to critical health checks, including breast exams and pap smears, should be readily available.
This International Women’s Day, let’s put the theme into action and ensure that all girls and women can thrive.
To all women, we salute you.
Happy International Women’s Day from Barbados TODAY.
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