The Generation Equality Forum was unique in its strong emphasis on feminist transformation. For example, the Global Acceleration Plan explicitly calls for changes in “structures, systems and power that reinforce inequality,” rather than superficial fixes that merely empower a few more women within existing structures. But like for any international summit, new commitments are only the first step: the real test will be the implementation process. Three challenges appear paramount.
Tag: United Nations
Friends of Afghanistan Urge NATO and EU to Continue Support for Afghanistan
In a sign-on letter by prominent leaders and individuals worldwide, friends and supporters of Afghanistan urge NATO and the European Union to continue their support of Afghanistan.
The endorsors remind NATO and the European Union that the world has a “responsibility” to Afghanistan and that it “must come together in their support to the Afghan National Security Forces who are fighting to protect Afghan lives from terrorists as well as work towards our shared security interests.”
Generation Equality: Equal Leadership and Equitable Funding?
How can we hold international institutions accountable for their commitment to the inclusion of young people and civil society as co-leaders of Generation Equality?
How can young women trust they will be acknowledged as capable of identifying their own needs and thus, the areas in which resource allocation would be most beneficial to them?
Billions Pledged to Accelerate Gender Equity at Generation Equality Forum
The Generation Equality Forum—held in Paris from June 30–July 2, 2021 and livestreamed to participants around the world—was a monumental event that set a new and unprecedented level of funding to prioritize and implement gender equality programs and commitments.
A quarter century after the U.N. Women’s Conference, at which 189 countries pledged to adopt the ambitious Beijing “Platform for Action” to achieve gender equity, once again political leaders, feminist movement leaders, corporate executives and activists gathered to address the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on women and girls, and to commit to action that will accelerate global progress over the next five years, by 2026.
Holding Big Tech Accountable for Online Violence Against Women and Gendered Disinformation
As a result of online misogyny, many women renounce political careers, self-censor or refrain from speaking out, while illiberal actors and authoritarians become ever bolder in their use of social media as a tool to silence opposition, roll back women’s rights and erode democratic institutions. We cannot let these practices continue, and we cannot let platforms who are able to make substantive change continue to skirt their responsibilities.
VP Kamala Harris Opens U.N. Gender Equality Summit: “Our World is Stronger When Everyone Participates”
Vice President Kamala Harris led the virtual U.S. delegation in a speech during the opening ceremony of the U.N.’s Generation Equality Forum on Wednesday. Her main message: Gender equality is essential for legitimate and robust democracy.
Making Good on Our Global Commitment to Gender Justice
There has been a resounding failure by the international community to meet the urgent needs exacerbated by the cascading crises and to address the longstanding structural inequities that have only become more entrenched.
Taliban Responsible for Great Majority of Attacks on Afghans, Says the U.N.
Signs of the Taliban reducing violence and committing to genuine and serious peace talks are far from sight, suggests a new report by the U.N. In the report, U.N. experts say that “unprecedented” level of violence from 2020 has carried onto 2021 and is likely to increase more this year. The “continues to strengthen its military position as leverage.”
“Unbearable”: Reza Khandan, Husband of Nasrin Sotoudeh, on the Ground in Iran’s Qarchak Prison
“My wife Nasrin Sotoudeh has been unjustly and cruelly imprisoned since June 2018 for her legal work representing Iranian human rights and women’s rights activists. … I call on the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation into all of Iran’s prisons, and for Qarchak women’s prison to be immediately closed. The dignity, health and safety of women, children and families everywhere demands no less.”
Linking Reproductive Rights and Climate Solutions Is the Only Way Forward
As the pandemic has brought our world’s climate and health crises into sharp relief, the time is ripe to include women’s reproductive rights as part of our climate solutions toolbox.