Gender equality and women’s rights have achieved a lot over the last decades, from new laws to end gender-based violence, to having women in the highest political offices and improving reproductive health and rights. However, we must be mindful that millions around the world will be left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

More than 340 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030 if current trends continue, and close to one in four will experience moderate or severe food insecurity.  

A staggering 245 million ever-married women and girls aged 15 and above are victims of sexual and physical violence inflicted by an intimate partner each year. Moreover, 1 in 5 girls are married before the age of 18.  

Girls without parental care are exposed to even higher risks of poverty, discrimination, abuse, exploitation, early marriage, and inadequate care, compromising their well-being and rights.  

These harms and oppressions must end. In cooperation with stakeholders, government as duty bearers must act. Public policy, social protection programmes, national legislation, and budgets must enable the empowerment of girls and women. 

Investing in women isn't just the right thing to do—it's essential for human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. When women progress, society does too. 

Together, we must scale up the feminist programmes to ensure that the root causes of poverty, gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality are addressed through structural changes. It is a way to unlock the full potential of all women and girls. 

Now and always, let's uphold human rights principles and take this day as a catalyst for advancing the SDGs for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future, where no woman is left behind.