United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on women’s rights advocates to continue their work, describing them as “shakers of the foundations” at his annual public relations meeting. Guterres stated, “You strive to spread justice, dignity, and equality across all societies.”
Highlighting existing power imbalances in politics, economics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, Guterres warned of a growing backlash against women’s rights fueled by disinformation and culture wars. “These are challenging times. Fierce winds are blowing across the globe. This wind hardens attitudes and fuels a backlash against women’s rights that feeds on disinformation, exploits fear and insecurity, weaponizes culture wars, and seeks to silence women,” he said.
Guterres emphasized that he wanted “nothing less than their silence” from the participants at the meeting.
Concerns Over UN Women and UNFPA Merger
Representatives from around the world raised questions about the proposed merger of UN Women, a key player in gender equality efforts, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which works on sexual and reproductive health. Maria Leon Gonzalez, representing Young Feminist, asked, “Why are two major players the first target?” suggesting that different options for the merger should be considered.
Responding to this question, Guterres stated that the proposal to merge the two entities aims to create a “stronger structure” and that the mandates of both organizations would continue with shared resources.
‘States Must Tell Themselves the Truth’
Nigerian law professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo voiced concerns about the shrinking public spaces, lack of funding, and government pressures, offering a solution. Ezeilo reiterated a slogan that has been prominent since the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, stating, “It is time for states to tell themselves the truth. It is time to reconfirm that women’s rights are human rights.” Despite the gains made since the Beijing Conference, she added, “States must contribute to the advancement of women’s rights.”
Shifting Power Relations
When asked about the legacy he wishes to leave behind, Guterres emphasized the importance of transforming power relations alongside advancing gender equality during his 10-year tenure.
Guterres acknowledged the invaluable work of civil society organizations and announced that the UN would hold a meeting in July to seek their input on the ongoing UN80 reform initiative. He noted that defending the hard-won rights of women and girls, opening new doors, and building coalitions in a time of societal fragmentation is “not easy.” “It comes at a cost,” Guterres said, adding, “You may face threats, intimidation, and harassment. When you strive for change, you are fighting patriarchy, and patriarchy pushes back against you.”
‘You Can Count on Me’
Committing his support and outlining the UN’s efforts for gender equality, Guterres encouraged participants to “keep shaking the foundations of privilege.” “You can count on me to always be by your side, and together we will say loud and clear: no to pushback, no to stepping back, no to going backwards, we will never surrender. We will never give up,” he declared.
Click here to watch the full public relations meeting on UN Web TV.
