International Women’s Day 2020

Photo: Paula Kindsvater CC BY-SA 4.0

Statement | Videos | Top stories | Social media

Women’s rights and gender equality are taking centre stage in 2020.

Twenty-five years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a progressive roadmap for gender equality—it’s time to take stock of progress and bridge the gaps that remain through bold, decisive actions.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (8 March) is, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.

The Generation Equality campaign is bringing together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world we all deserve.

Together, we want to mobilize to end gender-based violence; we are calling for economic justice and rights for all; bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health and rights; and feminist action for climate justice. We want technology and innovation for gender equality; and feminist leadership.

Small actions can have big impacts in making this vision a reality. On International Women’s Day, join #GenerationEquality and become part of the movement.

• Statement for International Women’s Day by Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
  In her statement for International Women's Day (8 March), UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlights 2020 as the year for gender equality and calls on everyone to tackle the persistent barriers against gender equality.

Small actions, big impact

From the Liberian women’s sex strike paving the way for peace to the Icelandic “Women’s Day Off” demanding economic equality to the global impact of the #MeToo movement, history has taught us that change can happen through collective activism. Generation Equality brings you 12 Small Actions with Big Impact for Generation Equality that you can take every day.

Videos

We are #GenerationEquality

Around the world and through the decades, we have all shared in the global struggle for gender equality. Regardless of our age, country, background or gender, the fight for equal rights has collectively defined our lives and we must take action together to achieve it. This International Women’s Day, UN Women’s multi-generational campaign, Generation Equality, brings together past and present advocates to demand gender equality in this generation.

Beijing+25 Youth and Inter-Generational Forum in the Arab States

Twenty-two activists representing youth networks from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen met to discuss the implementation of the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform in the framework of the 25th anniversary of its adoption.  

Despite some progress since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action 25 years ago, real and lasting change has been slow for the majority of women & girls in the Arab States region. Multiple obstacles remain unchanged in law and in culture. As a result, women remain undervalued, they continue to work more, earn less, have fewer choices, and experience multiple forms of violence at home and in public spaces.

Top stories

Social media

It’s time to speak up for women’s rights! Show the world that you are #GenerationEquality by clicking here and tweeting a message of solidarity. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to use your platforms to empower each other and support women everywhere who are mobilizing for an equal future. Use #IWD2020 to join the movement and check out our social media package to download fun GIFs, illustrations, videos, data cards and slogans!

•  Check out the automatic emoji on Twitter when using the official hashtags #IWD2020 and #GenerationEquality.
•  Search for Generation Equality stickers to use on your Instagram stories & show your feminist colors.
•  Find out which feminist you are with the @unwomenarabic face filter on Instagram.

See our coverage of International Women's Day in the past: 2019