International Women’s Day: Eight actions for more equal world

Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world

repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and

shrinking civic space.

But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common

denominator: women.

As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognise that

gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and

advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development

and peace.

Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work

of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance

women’s rights and deliver results.

1. Fix the power gap:

Gender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still

shape our world.

A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands.

2. Make parity a priority:

Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across

the globe.

At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards.

The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow.

3. Bet on the highest-return investment:

Investment in women delivers outsised returns. Every dollar spent on girls’

education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family

planning generate more than eightfold benefits.

Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%.

4. Make room at the peace table:

Peace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and

implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and

Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry

the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not

symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilise our fractured world.

5. End legal discrimination:

Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In

too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce.

Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to

enforcing rights in practice.

6. Zero tolerance for gender-based violence – and zero excuses:

Violence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and

sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear.

Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a

horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with

zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors.

7. Code out bias:

With women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired

into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding

online.

Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe,

inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for

girls in science and technology.

8. Put gender in the climate plan:

Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater

danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when

livelihoods collapse.

But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the

ground.

A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making.

Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and

recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organisations and communities.

If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will

change the world – for women and girls, and for us all.