Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 10, 2026 Women
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on civil society to continue fighting for the rights of women and girls, warning of a growing wave of resistance to gender equality in many countries around the world.
Speaking at a meeting with human rights defenders at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines 70th session of the Commission on the Status of WomenThe UN chief thanked them for their work at the forefront of the global movement.
"Patriarchy fights back"
“Every day, you defend the rights of women and girls, open up new opportunities and build coalitions at a time when societies are divided,” he said.
According to the Secretary-General, this work often involves threats, intimidation and harassment.
"When you advocate for change, you challenge the patriarchy. And the patriarchy fights back," he noted.
Guterres emphasized that the world remains a "man's world with a male culture," and that gender equality is largely linked to power—in politics, economics, and the technologies that shape the future, including artificial intelligence. He noted that the concentration of power in the tech sector reflects a profound gender imbalance.
Progress within the UN system
The UN chief noted that over the past decade, the Organization has made significant progress in achieving gender balance. For the first time in the history of the UN, parity has been achieved among senior management – both at headquarters and among heads of missions worldwide.
While ten years ago, women accounted for approximately 30 percent of the approximately 160 senior UN officials, today complete gender balance has been achieved. The Secretary-General emphasized that this did not require any changes to the selection rules.
"Achieving gender parity doesn't require changing the rules. We just need to ensure women have the same opportunities as men," he said.
According to him, achieving gender balance has strengthened the work of the Organization, increased its authority and improved its performance.
Growing resistance
At the same time, Guterres warned of a worrying trend: a growing global backlash against women's rights.
This wave, he continued, is fueled by disinformation, fears, and so-called "culture wars." Nevertheless, Guterres emphasized, women continue to play a key role in the fight for human rights—from health and climate change to peacebuilding and labor rights.
"We will not give up"
The Secretary-General called on the activists to continue their work, reminding them that the progress achieved remains fragile.
"Rights can be lost much faster than they were won," he warned.
In conclusion, Guterres assured the meeting participants of his support.
"We will say it loud and clear: no backsliding, no abandoning what has been achieved. We will never give up," the Secretary-General declared.
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