'Gender inequality remains embedded in the world's political, social and economic systems' -UN Chief

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "'Gender inequality remains embedded in the world's political, social and economic systems' -UN Chief"
The topics: Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations on the opening session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Sixty-fifth session (CSW65), 1st plenary meeting. " I am very pleased to address the Commission on the Status of Women. We meet for a second time in the context of the pandemic, which is having a devastating impact on women and girls. COVID-19 is a crisis with a woman's face. The fallout has shown how deeply gender inequality remains embedded in the world's political, social and economic systems.   Those disparities have themselves exacerbated the damage - and we have all paid the price. Women make up 70 per cent of the world's healthcare workforce, and occupy most of the jobs in the economic sectors that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Compared to men, women are 24 per cent more likely to lose their jobs, and can expect their income to fall 50 per cent more steeply. Women's and girls' unpaid care work has risen dramatically owing to stay-at-home orders, the closure of schools and childcare facilities, increased elder care and so much else. The pandemic has also sparked a shadow epidemic of violence against women worldwide, both online and offline. Every month, the toll rises - from sexual abuse to child marriage. The damage is incalculable and will resound down the decades, into future generations. Now is the time to change course. Women's equal participation is the game-changer we need.  Decades of evidence show that women's participation enhances economic results, prompts greater investment in social protection, leads to more sustainable peace and advances climate action. Now it is the COVID-19 response that has spotlighted the great power of women's leadership. Over the past year, women leaders are among those who have kept transmission rates low and put countries on track for recovery. Women's organizations have filled crucial gaps in the provision of services and information, especially at the community level. Greater gender balance has led to better responses. Conversely, countries with less effective responses have tended to be those where strongman approaches prevail and women's rights are under assault. The United Nations, for its part, has placed women at the center of its COVID-19 response and recovery. (...) I call on all leaders to put in place five key building blocks: First, realize women's equal rights fully, including by repealing discriminatory laws and enacting positive measures. Second, ensure equal representation - from company boards to parliaments, from higher education to public institutions - through special measures including quotas. Third, advance women's economic inclusion through equal pay, targeted credit, job protection and significant investments in the care economy and social protection. Fourth, to enact an emergency response plan in each country to address violence against women and girls, and follow through with funding, policies, and political will. Fifth, to give space to the intergenerational transition that is under way. From the frontlines to online, young women are advocating for a more just and equal world - and merit greater support.  This year we have an opportunity to advance this agenda through the Generation Equality Forum and Action Coalitions being convened by UN Women, co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France in partnership with civil society and youth. Gender equality is essentially a question of power. We still live in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture. This must change. And males are an essential part of the solution. This Commission will continue to play a central role in shifting mindsets, calling out systemic bias and mobilizing tangible, meaningful action. Earlier this year, we lost an inspiring leader of this shared cause - Margaret Snyder, the founding director of UNIFEM and an ally of women's groups across the world. Last year, reflecting on the early years of her efforts and the obstacles she faced, she wrote, and I quote:  “Through all of the administrative issues, we were reminded that working to empower the poorest women was threatening to some high level and powerful people. They could move us, but they couldn't stop us. ” End of quote. Together, you are an unstoppable force. Together, we have a chance to leave behind entrenched exclusion, and build a just and equal future. Let's make it happen together, and I thank you" - António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations [Excerpt] Full Remarks [as delivered]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2021-03-15/un-secretary-generals-remarks-the-opening-of-the-65th-session-of-the-commission-the-status-of-women-bilingual-delivered-scroll-further-down-for-all-english


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