International Women’s Day - Secretary-General's speech | United Nations

Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Women's Day 2025. On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Secretary-General António Guterres today (7 Mar) told an International Women’s Day celebration at the General Assembly Hall, that “women’s rights are under attack,” and announced the launch of the Gender Equality Clarion Call, “a bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls.” Guterres, in his remarks to the event, said, “we gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward – resilient, united, and unwavering,” and quoting the Beijing Declaration added, in pursuit of “equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity.” The Secretary-General said, “centuries of discrimination are being exacerbated by new threats. Digital tools, while brimming with promise, are also often silencing women’s voices, amplifying bias, and fuelling harassment. Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds. And online violence is escalating into real-life violence.” He said, “we cannot stand by as progress is reversed. We must fight back,” and stressed that “systemic change is possible – with concerted and determined action.” The Clarion Call sets out four priorities: Unified leadership; action against pushbacks; coordinated impact; and protecting women human rights defenders.


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