According to information published ahead of International Women's Day, the UN reports that the justice system does not provide adequate protection for the rights of women and girls.
Women around the world possess only 64% of the legal rights that men have.
A new report from the UN Secretary-General highlights that in more than half of the countries in the world, rape is not considered in terms of consent. This means that women can become victims of violence, but the law does not always recognize it as a crime.
Moreover, in 75% of countries, girls can be married off against their will according to national legislation. In 44% of countries, laws do not require equal pay for equal work, resulting in women potentially earning less than men for the same job.
The number of violations of the rights of women and girls is increasing globally — in courts, online, and in conflict zones. Laws are being revised in ways that restrict the freedoms of women and girls and allow abuses to go unpunished.
Additional information Deputy calls for not obstructing the peaceful march on March 8
Against the backdrop of rapid technological development, women and girls are facing an increase in digital violence, occurring in an environment of impunity. In conflict situations, rape continues to be used as a weapon of war; in the last two years, reported cases of sexual violence have increased by 87%.
The UN Secretary-General's report also points to the possibility of progress: 87% of countries have implemented laws aimed at combating domestic violence, and more than 40 countries have strengthened constitutional guarantees for the protection of the rights of women and girls in the last ten years.
However, it is not enough to simply enact laws, UN experts state. Social norms that promote discrimination, stigma, victim-blaming, fear, and societal pressure continue to silence victims and hinder justice, allowing the most severe forms of violence, including femicide, to go unpunished.
In the lead-up to International Women's Day, UN Women calls for an end to impunity and for the establishment of the rule of law and equality not only in the legal system but also in practice across all areas of life.
The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which will take place from March 9 to 19, provides a unique opportunity to focus on the issue of discrimination against women and to ensure justice.
