Worldwide, women have only 64% of the legal rights that men have.In more than half of the countries, there is no clear definition of rape based on the principle of consent, which creates legal uncertainty and allows for the denial of acts of violence.
In 75% of countries, there is still a law allowing for the forced marriage of girls, and in 44% of countries, equal pay for work of equal value is not provided, leading to wage inequality.
The Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, noted that "when justice ignores the interests of women and girls, it undermines public trust and the legitimacy of authorities." According to her, "a justice system that does not protect half of the population cannot be considered fair."
There is a growing number of violations of the rights of women and girls worldwide – in courts, in the online space, in conflict zones. Laws are being rewritten in ways that restrict the freedoms of women and girls and allow abuses to go unpunished.The report also highlights the rise of digital violence faced by women and girls amid rapid technological development. In conflict situations, rape continues to be used as a method of warfare, and in the past two years, reported cases of sexual violence have increased by 87%.
Nevertheless, the report emphasizes that progress is possible: 87% of countries have already created laws against domestic violence, and more than 40 countries have strengthened constitutional guarantees of women's rights over the past decade.
However, experts from the UN note that laws alone are not enough. Social norms, stigmatization, societal pressure, and fear hinder victims from seeking help and obstruct effective justice, allowing the most extreme forms of violence, including femicide, to go unpunished.
Ahead of International Women's Day, UN Women calls for an end to impunity and for ensuring equality and the rule of law not only in the legal sphere but also in everyday life.
The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, taking place from March 9 to 19, will provide a unique opportunity to discuss the issue of discrimination against women and to seek pathways to justice.
Sima Bahous emphasized: "Now is the time to act – for rights, for justice, and for every woman and girl to be able to live safely and express their thoughts freely."
The photo on the main page is illustrative: "UN Women" / R. Brown (Demonstration in support of women's rights in 2017 in New York).
