Women deserve and want a world where we have an equal future free of stigmas, stereotypes, and violence; the strength that a women’s movement achieved throughout the world crosses borders, cultural, economic, and ideological differences of any kind. If women and men all over the world get together to join forces they could be able to achieve equality in all areas of society. To be able to attain this goal women need to be at all decision-making tables.
The crisis generated in the world by COVID-19 has highlighted the important contribution of women and also the disproportionate burdens they bear. Women are at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, as health workers, caregivers, researchers, and community leaders. Therefore, this year’s motto is closely related to the COVID pandemic in the world: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”.
Progress has been made in the participation of women in positions of power, however, there is still a clear unbalance, and women continue to be underrepresented in public life and decision-making.
Women are heads of state and government in only 20 countries in the world. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, new obstacles have emerged, in addition to those of a social and systemic nature that persisted before and that hinder the participation and leadership of women. Around the world, women face an increase in domestic violence, unpaid caregiving, unemployment, and poverty.
To uphold women’s rights and fully realize the potential of their leadership in pandemic preparedness and response, the perspectives of women and girls in all their diversity must be integrated into the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in all areas and at all stages of pandemic response and recovery.