The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres has made a bold call to global leaders to close gender justice gaps.
Guterres stated this in his address at the opening of the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
“We still live in a male-dominated world and a male-dominated culture. Gender equality is, and always has been, a question of power,” Guterres told a packed assembly of diplomats, activists, and civil society leaders.
The UN chief stressed that women’s rights have never been granted but have been won through relentless activism.
He said; “Not a single step forward for women’s rights has ever been given. It has been won. Won by generations of women and girls, advocates and activists, community leaders, and justice seekers.”
Guterres highlighted persistent structural inequality as women globally hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men, limiting opportunity and undermining development.
He said; “Justice for women and girls must be a cornerstone of the world we seek to build,” he said, linking gender justice to sustainable development, peace, digital equity, and climate resilience.
Costa Rica’s ambassador and Chair of the Commission, Maritza Chan Valverde described the session’s theme “strengthening access to justice’ as both urgent and essential.
“This year’s theme is both timely and essential. It’s not only a reflection of the challenges that persist but a clear call to action for all of us to strengthen legal systems, remove barriers and ensure that justice becomes a lived reality for every woman and girl,” Valverde said.
She spotlighted commitments to recognise community justice actors, expand gender-responsive legal systems, and address emerging issues such as digital justice and artificial intelligence governance.
“Access to justice is not merely a right, it is a cornerstone of dignity, empowerment and progress for individuals and societies alike,” she added.
Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, warned that full legal equality remains unattained.
“Today, in 2026, no country in the world has achieved full legal equality. In fact, it may take us 286 years to eliminate and close legal protection gaps for women and girls,” she said.
Bahous urged “member states to set exemplary bold inclusive leadership reforms:
“And I know that myself and my team at UN Women, and hopefully also many of you here, would be proud to serve and work with a Madam Secretary General.”
They all underscored a clear message: justice, equality, and women’s leadership are urgent imperatives for a fair and sustainable world.