International Women’s Day 2026
Rights. Justice. Action.
Women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot defend them.
International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a time when justice systems are under strain. Conflict, repression, and political tensions are weakening the rule of law.
The result – women and girls have just 64 per cent of the legal rights of men.
Women are turned away, not believed, revictimized, or priced out of legal support. Equality never arrives.
Women and girls are living without full legal protection
When justice fails, women pay the price
Justice is not blind. It protects power and continues to rule against women and girls.
In nearly 70 per cent of surveyed countries, women face more barriers accessing justice than men.
Can't afford a lawyer? Justice denied. Legal fees, transportation, childcare, lost wages keep millions of women locked out of justice systems.
Want to report an injustice? Be prepared to be ignored, disbelieved, or – worse – blamed and silenced.
For the 676 million women and girls living within 50 km of active conflict zones, justice systems are largely absent and perpetrators act with impunity.
What justice actually means for women and girls
Without justice, rights are just words. With justice, rights become power.
- Laws that protect women and girls from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
- Courts that believe ALL women and girls and end impunity.
- Legal aid that women and girls can access and afford.
- Support to recover when rights are violated.
What you can do for Rights. Justice. Action.
Justice doesn’t just happen. It is built and must be funded. Join and support UN Women as we continue to stand with women’s movements worldwide and work with governments that choose equality.
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Know your rights and why justice matters
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