Persistent Challenges for Women and Girls 30 Years After the Beijing Declaration

On September 22, 2024, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, addressed the United Nations during a high-level meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, which produced the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark document aimed to address critical issues affecting women and girls globally, yet Gallagher emphasized that many of these issues remain unresolved.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN

Archbishop Gallagher pointed out several persistent challenges, including extreme poverty, lack of access to quality education, and wage disparities. According to the World Bank's 2024 "Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report," 8.5% of the global population lives in extreme poverty, with one in ten women affected. He noted that these conditions hinder women's potential across various spheres of life. Furthermore, Gallagher highlighted the alarming prevalence of violence against women, with UN Women reporting that approximately 736 million women have experienced physical or sexual violence, a figure that has doubled in conflict-affected areas since 2017.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UNGender equality remains unfinished business of our time – UN report

Gallagher condemned various forms of violence, including trafficking, prenatal sex selection, and female infanticide, particularly in countries like India and China, where cultural norms favor male children. He described these acts as grave injustices that result in millions of "missing girls" each year. He reiterated that all forms of violence against women are unacceptable and must be actively combated.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN

The archbishop also addressed ongoing disparities in healthcare for women, noting that while maternal mortality rates have improved since 1990, progress has stagnated. He called for increased access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendants, while rejecting abortion as a solution, emphasizing the Catholic Church's stance on the sanctity of life from conception.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN

Gallagher expressed hope that states would prioritize fulfilling their commitments to gender equality and respecting women's dignity, rather than focusing on divisive issues that do not benefit women. He referenced Pope Leo XIV's assertion that true equality cannot be achieved without respecting the dignity of every person, from the unborn to the elderly.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN

Despite the progress acknowledged by Gallagher, critics argue that the gains in gender equality remain modest and uneven. A recent UN Women report indicated that none of the gender equality Sustainable Development Goals are on track, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to close the gender gap in various sectors, including the workforce, where women hold only 39% of jobs and face a 20% wage gap.

Gender equality remains unfinished business of our time – UN reportPoverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN

As the world reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the challenges facing women and girls remain significant. The call for action from leaders like Archbishop Gallagher underscores the need for continued commitment to addressing these issues, ensuring that the rights and dignity of women are upheld globally.

Poverty, violence still ‘persistent issues’ affecting women, girls, top Vatican diplomat tells UN