COMMUNITY

#8M – Today, we join the global commemoration of International Women’s Day to honor the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women in all spheres. We stand in solidarity with those facing violence and discrimination, those defending rights in hostile contexts, and all the women who, in their diversity, continue to shape and transform our societies.

In today’s increasingly complex global landscape—where multilateralism, equality, and human rights are under threat—ensuring equal representation in decision-making spaces is more urgent than ever. The challenges we face, from climate change and armed conflicts to economic instability and democratic backsliding, demand inclusive, sustainable solutions. For these responses to be truly effective, all voices must be equally represented in the spaces where decisions are made.

Yet, data continues to show that the higher the position, the harder it is for women to reach. The underrepresentation of women in multilateral institutions and international bodies not only reinforces inequalities but also undermines the ability of these institutions to develop fair, effective, and legitimate policies. When women’s diverse perspectives and experiences are missing, decisions risk being disconnected from the realities that millions of people face worldwide.

Achieving gender parity in these spaces is not just about justice—it is a strategic imperative for strengthening global governance and ensuring fair, representative, and effective solutions to global challenges.

Ten years ago, when we launched the GQUAL Campaign, the exclusion of women from international justice and other multilateral spaces was glaring: courts with no women judges, many human rights mandates that had never been held by a woman, and selection processes lacking transparency. Since then, thanks to the collective efforts by civil society organizations, women’s networks, and institutions, we have seen significant progress. The gender gap in the bodies we monitor has narrowed by 65%, and more women are running for these positions. However, structural barriers persist, and without clear, transparent procedures, gender parity remains dependent on individual efforts rather than becoming the standard. 

The years ahead present critical opportunities to drive meaningful change—but that change must start now. The upcoming elections for the OAS Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General and the UN Secretary-General—positions that, to this day, have never been held by a woman—, as well as the elections for members of the UN CAT Committee and the 2026 International Court of Justice judicial elections, among others, must mark a turning point. These processes cannot be business as usual. They must set a new standard, ensuring gender-balanced representation and demonstrating a genuine, unwavering commitment to equal participation in global leadership. The legitimacy and effectiveness of our institutions depend on it.

The adoption of General Recommendation 40 (GR40) by the CEDAW Committee in October 2024 represents a fundamental step forward to frame action, recognizing gender parity across all levels of decision-making as a legally binding human right. The challenge now is its implementation: ensuring transparent selection processes, developing monitoring tools, and holding States accountable for their commitments.

Next week, we will be at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), joining forces with leaders, advocates, and organizations who share our vision: a more just and peaceful world is possible, and equal leadership is the way to achieve it. Together, we will keep pushing for change—until every decision-making table truly reflects the world it serves.