This year’s commemoration centred on the theme “Rights, Justice, Action”, with speakers urging stronger efforts to dismantle discrimination and secure justice for women and girls worldwide.

UN Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that progress on gender equality is stagnating or reversing in many parts of the world. He highlighted findings showing that women still hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men globally. “We must not allow rollbacks. We must dismantle discriminatory laws and defend hard‑won gains,” he told delegates.

The event drew high‑profile participation, including actor and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway, who joined global leaders, activists and civil society representatives. Grammy‑winning artist Michelle Williams delivered a musical performance honouring women and girls fighting for their rights.

One of the strongest messages of the day came from advocates speaking about Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s sweeping restrictions continue to erase women and girls from public life. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai said Afghan women were living under “gender apartheid” and urged world leaders not to normalise or legitimise the regime’s policies.

Afghan student Sunbul Reha delivered an emotional plea on behalf of millions of girls barred from secondary school and university. “Do not forget us,” she said. “We are counting on the international community to defend our right to learn, to dream and to live freely.”

Speakers emphasised that the global push for gender equality demands concrete action, including legal reforms, investment in justice systems, and stronger protection for women facing violence and discrimination.

The UN leaders said the international community must turn commitments into real change.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate progress,” Guterres said. “But above all, we recommit to a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality and justice.”

–UN/ChannelAfrica–