Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres has made a bold call to global leaders to close gender justice gaps.
Guterres stated this in his address at the opening of the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
“*We still live in a male-dominated world and a male-dominated culture. Gender equality is, and always has been, a question of power*,” Guterres told a packed assembly of diplomats, activists, and civil society leaders.
The UN chief stressed that women’s rights have never been granted but have been won through relentless activism.
He said; “Not a single step forward for women’s rights has ever been given. It has been won. Won by generations of women and girls, advocates and activists, community leaders, and justice seekers.”
Guterres highlighted persistent structural inequality as women globally hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men, limiting opportunity and undermining development.
He said; “Justice for women and girls must be a cornerstone of the world we seek to build,” he said, linking gender justice to sustainable development, peace, digital equity, and climate resilience.
Costa Rica’s ambassador and Chair of the Commission, Maritza Chan Valverde described the session’s theme “strengthening access to justice” as both urgent and essential.
