Attributed to Ms. Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab states Regional Director
On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm that the health, dignity, and reproductive rights of women and girls are crucial to achieving a just and equitable world. In a time of global challenges—scarce resources, shifting political climates, and increasing vulnerabilities—our commitment to ending the marginalization and exploitation of women and girls must remain steadfast.
The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) laid the foundation for this vision, emphasizing that sustainable development depends on prioritizing human rights, including reproductive rights, and addressing the social, economic, and political factors perpetuating inequality. UNFPA’s mandate is clear: to ensure that every individual, particularly women and girls, can live in good health, make informed choices about their reproductive lives, and thrive in dignity—even in the most challenging humanitarian settings.
In our region, where crises disproportionately affect women and girls, the need for action has never been more urgent. Failing to meet their immediate needs—such as life-saving healthcare, protection from gender-based violence, and recovery support—will deepen their vulnerability and perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization. Investing in women and girls is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one, yielding dividends for individuals, families, communities, and nations, and fostering resilience and sustainable development.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we recommit to its bold vision of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Beijing framework transformed global discourse by centering women’s agency over their lives. Yet, three decades later, systemic barriers—such as stigma, underfunded health systems, and regressive policies—continue to hinder progress, particularly for the most marginalized.
To dismantle these barriers, we must prioritize universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including maternal healthcare. These services are essential for individual autonomy and serve as a cornerstone for equality, empowerment, and intergenerational justice. Equally critical is amplifying the voices of young women and girls, who are not merely beneficiaries but agents of change. When equipped with knowledge, resources, and decision-making power, they can drive policy transformation, and build more inclusive societies.
This International Women’s Day, we call on everyone, institutions, and partners to take decisive action: uphold sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as non-negotiable, prioritize investments in youth-friendly and inclusive services, and resist any attempts to roll back progress. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl thrives—free from discrimination, violence, and inequality.
