Women and girls belong in science, yet today, only one in three scientists is a woman. This gender gap hinders innovation, progress, and societal development. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), let鈥檚 commit to creating equal opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This year鈥檚 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation focuses on "Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM". It highlights the urgent need for collaboration and calls on everyone鈥攇irls, boys, men, women, youth, survivors, communities, governments, organizations, and all sectors鈥攖o take action. Indifference is not an option. The pace of necessary change must increase 27-fold to meet the 2030 target of eliminating FGM. On 6 February, let鈥檚 come together to support #Unite2EndFGM and lead the charge in the #EndFGM campaign.
80,000 people, including 1,230 pregnant women, need humanitarian assistance after the devastating earthquake in Vanuatu. 鈥淚t pains me to see this vibrant country battered by yet another natural disaster,鈥 says Dr. Natalia Kanem, who recently visited the Pacific island. See .
With over 145 million adolescent girls calling Africa home, the potential for transformative change is immense. Yet challenges persist: from high rates of child marriage to limited educational opportunities. to ensure that adolescent girls enter adulthood empowered to thrive?
Gender-based violence violates human rights, particularly for women and girls in situations of crisis, conflict, and displacement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shanley Cl茅mot McLaren and fellow activists launched #StopFisha to combat , which surged with the rise of social media use. The platform tracks and reports abusive accounts, provides legal and psychological support, and advocates for stronger policies. With the rise of technologies like AI and deepfakes, the issue has become more pressing, particularly for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by online gender-based violence. #StopFisha's efforts are part of a global movement calling for stricter regulation and greater accountability to protect women's digital rights.
Tradition, chastity, and marriageability are some of the reasons often cited for the prevalence of female genital mutilation among women and girls in Egypt. However, the real driving forces behind this harmful practice are gender bias, misogyny, and inequality. Meet several individuals鈥攊ncluding grandmothers, fathers, farmers, teachers, and shopkeepers鈥攚ho have recognized female genital mutilation as a form of gender-based violence and have committed to putting an end to it. Read on to discover how these people have become catalysts for change within their communities.
Closing the gender gap in irrigation through policy reforms, leadership opportunities, and equal access to resources is key to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
In Trinidad and Tobago, women united by a shared dream, are learning sewing skills to enhance their economic stability.
In Tambiri, women like Dabir茅 Ngalle are leading efforts to preserve shea trees, vital for their livelihoods, amidst an escalating ecological crisis.
For thousands of women, the 鈥攖heir murder by partners and family members. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent.
The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the鈥 a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women鈥檚 and girls鈥 rights everywhere.
For thousands of women, the 鈥攖heir murder by partners and family members. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent.
The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the鈥 a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women鈥檚 and girls鈥 rights everywhere.
Three women: from Sudan, from Ukraine, and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo share their stories of surviving wartime rape and domestic violence to find safety and support in clinics run by the (UNFPA) and partners. A staggering 70 percent of women in conflict zones are subjected to gender-based violence. Maria, a Ukrainian woman, fled her home due to the war, but was forced to return to an abusive partner, enduring further trauma. Now on the road to healing, Maria says she is profoundly grateful to the people who listened, and cared. 鈥淭hey simply looked me in the eyes, extended a hand and said, 鈥楬old on, hold my hand, and I鈥檒l help you.鈥 UNFPA's efforts are critical in addressing the urgent needs of these survivors, offering healthcare, counseling, and protection services to rebuild their lives.
is the most pervasive human rights violation. In 2024, an estimated 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members worldwide. That is 137 women and girls every day. One every ten minutes, according to the .
On average, 140 women and girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. One woman every 10 minutes. Around one in three still suffers physical or sexual violence. This is unacceptable. Ending Violence against Women Day (25 November) urges robust responses, holding perpetrators accountable, accelerating action, and increasing funding to women鈥檚 rights movements. The Observance launches the with the latest data and marks the beginning of the to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women. Join us!