International Women’s Day

Justice and Peace Issues

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognize the achievements, strength, and contributions of women in social, economic, cultural, and political fields. The day also highlights the importance of gender equality and women’s rights across the world. It serves as a reminder of the progress made in empowering women while also acknowledging the challenges that still exist.RIGHTS JUSTICE ACTION is the 2026 Theme chosen for the United Nations observance of International Women’s Day. Here are some international statistics.

Women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot defend them. International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a time when justice systems are under strain. Conflict, repression, and political tensions are weakening the rule of law. The result – women and girls have just 64 per cent of the legal rights of men. Women are turned away, not believed, revictimized, or priced out of legal support. Equality never arrives. Women and girls are living without full legal protection. When justice fails, women pay the price Justice is not blind. It protects power and continues to rule against women and girls. In nearly 70 per cent of surveyed countries, women face more barriers accessing justice than men. Can’t afford a lawyer? Justice denied. Legal fees, transportation, childcare, lost wages keep millions of women locked out of justice systems. Want to report an injustice? Be prepared to be ignored, disbelieved, or – worse – blamed and silenced. For the 676 million women and girls living within 50 km of active conflict zones, justice systems are largely absent, and perpetrators act with impunity.What justice actually means for women and girls: Without justice, rights are just words. With justice, rights become power. Laws that protect women and girls from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. Courts that believe ALL women and girls and end impunity. Legal aid that women and girls can access and afford. Support to recover when rights are violated.

COMMISSION on the STATUS of WOMEN 2026The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will take place from March 9 to March 19, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The main theme will focus on ensuring access to justice for all women and girls, promoting equitable legal systems, and addressing structural barriers. The Commission on the Status of Women is the United Nations’ largest annual gathering dedicated to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.Visit the CSW70 Website to learn more.Opening EventAn Opening Event in the UN General Assembly Hall on March 9 from 9-10 a.m. EST. precedes the opening of CSW 70. The public will be able to follow the event online HERE

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