Global Women Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Gender Equity

The rights of women and girls around the world are being rolled back by widespread democratic recession and rising autocracy, the existential threat of climate change, and failing international frameworks. At the same time, the world needs gender equity more than ever to achieve peace and prosperity. This is a watershed moment.

The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) and The Rockefeller Foundation co-convened global women leaders on June 20-23, 2022 at the Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Bellagio, Italy for the Global Women Leaders Summit to address the urgent need for action to advance gender equity.

The full recommendations from the Summit, available for download on this page, include urgent calls to action to end gender injustice once and for all. They rely on the wisdom and experience of the distinguished women who joined the Summit, many of whom are current and former heads of state, to carry forward a future where women and girls are fully represented.

This work is supported as part of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Connected Leaders Platform (CLP) which supports breakthrough solutions and collective action. The CLP attracts leaders, facilitates connections, and supports integration of the network’s resources, skills, and perspectives to drive major change.

Recommendation

Supporting Women's Leadership Amidst Pushback

Women are defending their rights and democratic values, often at great risk. They are organizing mass protests, spearheading social media campaigns, and working within institutions and with allies to prevent rollback of women’s gains. In using their power for purpose, expanding civic space, and exercising their vote, women are proving they are a force that will defend both gender equality and democracy itself.

Inclusive Climate Action

While it is well established that climate change disproportionately affects women, girls, and marginalized communities, women are also uniquely positioned to contribute to climate solutions. Gendered divisions of labor mean that women are already on the frontlines of resource management in their communities.

Responsive and Inclusive Frameworks for Gender Equity

1995’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action became the essential blueprint for advancing women’s rights. Since then, there have been important gains for women and girls – parity in education in many countries, fewer deaths in childbirth, more women elected to parliament and in leadership, and reduced discrimination under the law. However, major gaps persist and, in many places, progress has stalled and reversed.

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Global Women Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Gender Equity
The rights of women and girls around the world are being rolled back by widespread democratic recession and rising autocracy, the existential threat of climate change, and failing international frameworks. At the same time, the world needs gender equity more than ever to achieve peace and prosperity. This is a watershed moment. The Georgetown Institute […]
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Global Women Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Gender Equity
The rights of women and girls around the world are being rolled back by widespread …
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