Speech

Speech: Pushing forward for progress – Priority actions to drive real change

Opening remarks by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the Commission on the Status of Women high-level side event, “For ALL Women and Girls – The Beijing+30 Action Agenda”, 12 March 2025, UN headquarters.

[As delivered.]

Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action united 189 governments in an ambitious blueprint for change. It set a course for a world where women and girls could live free from discrimination, free from violence, and free from inequality.

Today, we take stock—not just of progress, but of the stark realities that remain. A global review by UN Women, informing the Secretary-General’s report, makes one thing clear: while strides have been made, the fight is far from over.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivers opening remarks at the Commission on the Status of Women high-level side event, “For ALL Women and Girls – The Beijing+30 Action Agenda”, 12 March 2025, UN headquarters. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivers opening remarks at the Commission on the Status of Women high-level side event, “For ALL Women and Girls – The Beijing+30 Action Agenda”, 12 March 2025, UN headquarters. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown.

Ninety per cent of States have acted to eliminate violence against women and girls. Seventy-nine per cent have strengthened social protection. Nearly half have prioritized women’s political participation, education, and training. These gains matter. But they are not enough.

Progress is under siege. Economic injustice, the climate crisis, and the escalating conflicts are deepening inequalities. Women and girls bear the brunt, facing exclusion, violence, and a fierce backlash against their rights.

The gender pay gap remains stagnant. Maternal mortality rates have plateaued. Three hundred and ninety-three million women and girls still live in extreme poverty. Many countries—especially the most vulnerable—are seeing cuts in official development assistance, undermining critical progress.

But let us be clear: this is not the moment to step back. It is the moment to push forward. We will not step back, and we will continue to push forward for progress.

The Secretary-General’s Gender Equality Acceleration Plan demands urgent, unified action. Last year, Member States reaffirmed their commitment in the Pact for the Future. And two days ago, Member States recommitted to the Beijing Declaration through a forward-looking, strong Political Declaration.

Now, we must transform commitments into results.

As you heard me say in the CSW69 opening, UN Women is calling for 6+1 priority actions to drive real change:

  • A digital revolution to close the gender gap in technology
  • Freedom from poverty through strong social protection
  • Zero violence by transforming harmful norms and supporting survivors
  • Equal decision-making power for women in politics and beyond
  • Peace and security that prioritizes healthcare over warfare
  • Climate justice that ensures progress does not come at the planet’s expense

The “+1” is our youth—the next generation of leaders and changemakers. They are our North Star, guiding us forward. Their voices must be heard.

In this pivotal year, we make a solemn promise: again, we say, we will not retreat.

With the UN system leading the charge, governments as duty-bearers, and feminist movements at the helm, there is no limit for what we can achieve.

Together, we choose action over apathy. Together, we choose hope over despair. Together, we choose to ignite the spirit of the Beijing Declaration once again.

I thank you.

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