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Around the world and through the decades, we have all shared in the global struggle for gender equality.

The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. Legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from having the same choice of jobs as men. Less than 25% of parliamentarians are women. One in three women experiences gender-based violence. International Women’s Day, 8 March, is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. This year’s theme, , is aligned with ’s campaign marking the of the . Let’s make 2020 count for women and girls everywhere!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shanley Clémot McLaren and fellow activists launched #StopFisha to combat , which surged with the rise of social media use. The platform tracks and reports abusive accounts, provides legal and psychological support, and advocates for stronger policies. With the rise of technologies like AI and deepfakes, the issue has become more pressing, particularly for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by online gender-based violence. #StopFisha's efforts are part of a global movement calling for stricter regulation and greater accountability to protect women's digital rights.

Tradition, chastity, and marriageability are some of the reasons often cited for the prevalence of female genital mutilation among women and girls in Egypt. However, the real driving forces behind this harmful practice are gender bias, misogyny, and inequality. Meet several individuals—including grandmothers, fathers, farmers, teachers, and shopkeepers—who have recognized female genital mutilation as a form of gender-based violence and have committed to putting an end to it. Read on to discover how these people have become catalysts for change within their communities.

Closing the gender gap in irrigation through policy reforms, leadership opportunities, and equal access to resources is key to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

In Trinidad and Tobago, women united by a shared dream, are learning sewing skills to enhance their economic stability.

In Tambiri, women like Dabiré Ngalle are leading efforts to preserve shea trees, vital for their livelihoods, amidst an escalating ecological crisis.

For thousands of women, the —their murder by partners and family members. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. 

The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the  – a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.

Three women: from Sudan, from Ukraine, and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo share their stories of surviving wartime rape and domestic violence to find safety and support in clinics run by the (UNFPA) and partners. A staggering 70 percent of women in conflict zones are subjected to gender-based violence. Maria, a Ukrainian woman, fled her home due to the war, but was forced to return to an abusive partner, enduring further trauma. Now on the road to healing, Maria says she is profoundly grateful to the people who listened, and cared. “They simply looked me in the eyes, extended a hand and said, ‘Hold on, hold my hand, and I’ll help you.” UNFPA's efforts are critical in addressing the urgent needs of these survivors, offering healthcare, counseling, and protection services to rebuild their lives.

 is the most pervasive human rights violation. , an estimated 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members worldwide.

On average, 140 women and girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. One woman every 10 minutes. Around one in three still suffers physical or sexual violence. This is unacceptable. Ending Violence against Women Day (25 November) urges robust responses, holding perpetrators accountable, accelerating action, and increasing funding to women’s rights movements. The Observance launches the with the latest data and marks the beginning of the to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women. Join us!

After undergoing a Caesarean section days before the strike, Samah fled to the Syrian border. When her car was blocked by a crater, she had to continue on foot with her children. “I wrapped my stomach with a clean cloth and carried my son and went down to the border,” she said. Luckily, Samah reached a clinic at the border where a United Nations Population Fund () medical team examined her and confirmed she and her newborn were healthy. “I felt hope again,” she noted, as they provided antibiotics, nutrients, and a sense of safety. Samah was among the fortunate few to receive care amid the healthcare crisis in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, where conflict has severely impacted medical services.

To effectively address the rising violence against women and girls in conflict zones, the international community must prioritize their representation, rights, and support in peace and security initiatives.

The 600 million adolescent girls in the world have infinite potential, but they need support to realize it. To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, we go behind the scenes with six young women - a dancer, an educator, a future leader, an adviser and an advocate-  who are working with the United Nations Population Fund () to make a difference or benefiting from those initiatives, inspiring hope for us all.

Despite progress, 122 million girls remain out of school, inspiring a video for the 2024 International Day of the Girl.