Leaders, influencers, and individuals worldwide walk backwards to highlight the need to move forwards for women‘s rights.

Global Regression in Women’s Rights Sparks UN Women National Committees’ ‘March Forward’ Campaign.

Fri, Mar 07, Reykjavik – Hard-won gains in women’s rights are being alarmingly reversed, impacting women and girls around the globe and stalling global progress. A report released yesterday states that one in four countries reported backlash on women’s rights in 2024.

At the current pace, achieving gender equality will take 134 years. With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8, UN Women National Committees launched this week the ‘March Forward‘ campaign to push back against this regression.

The backlash is undeniable: over 600 million women and girls are now affected by war—a 50% increase in a decade—while two billion lack access to social protection. Gender-based violence is rising, with 23 girls forced into marriage every minute, and women facing imprisonment for their clothing choices.

The ‘March Forward‘ campaign, which began in the first week of March, is gaining global momentum. Marches, events, and influencers are amplifying the call for change. Companies are reversing their logos in solidarity, reinforcing the urgent need to move forward.

“The momentum is undeniable—during this week people everywhere have found powerful, creative ways to stand in solidarity. The urgency to act is clear, and we refuse to remain silent while women’s rights are being pushed back. The only way is forward,” says Stella Samúelsdóttir, Executive Director of UN Women Iceland, who leads the campaign.

Moving Backwards Affects Us All

Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, which set ambitious goals for gender equality, and with just six years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, progress is dangerously off track. UN Women is calling for a renewed commitment to action.

“No one has time to wait for 100 years. 2025 is our turning point. From March 8, International Women’s Day, we march forward for all women and girls because gender equality is not just a right—it is the foundation of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. The time for action is now,” says Samúelsdóttir.

Unequal societies are more fragmented, experiencing higher rates of violence and instability. In contrast, gender-equal nations thrive, with stronger economies, healthier populations, and greater overall well-being.

UN Women National Committees urge individuals and organizations worldwide to join the ‘March Forward’ campaign and stand united in the belief that the only way is forward.

This is how to join the movement: LINK

For more information: LINK

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sara McMahon
Head of Communications, UN Women Iceland
Communications for National Committees
sara@unwomen.is
+354 896-9432

UNWomen HQ media inquiries:
media.team@unwomen.org

Sources:

UN Women, Peace and Security 2024
UN Women, Role of Women in Development 2024
UN Women, SDG 5 – Gender equality
UN, Global Gender Gap Report 2024

UN Women National Committees are independent local non-profit, non-governmental organizations that support the mission of UN Women by raising funds from the private sector, promoting women’s rights, and securing worldwide visibility for women and girls. National Committees are legal entities separate from UN Women, the United Nations and any other subsidiary body of the United Nations. 

Currently, there are 13 National Committees in the world:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/partnerships/national-committees