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Artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are reshaping economies, research and daily life, but too many people are still left out of the gains. The 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) highlights the power of combining AI with social science, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and finance to build inclusive futures for women and girls. The Day reaffirms a truth: equality in science drives human progress. We must ensure that women and girls can pursue their scientific ambitions—for their rights, and for the benefit of all.

Throughout 2025, the world read about the record number of conflicts and climate crises tearing apart countries and communities. We heard how steep cuts to humanitarian funding are spelling disaster for millions of people. We watched as AI expanded and digital violence against women and girls took a dangerous new turn. But we also saw ordinary people stepping up and doing extraordinary things: From the to the teenagers helping each other in the Philippines, so many individuals showed courage, resilience and a refusal to give up in the face of immense odds. Girls at a safe space in eastern Zambia perform a role-play scenario about peer pressure.  

The International Women’s Day website was the most visited UN Observance of 2025, reaching over one million views. This strong engagement reflects global interest in gender equality, women’s rights, and the power of collective action. The site brought together advocacy and inspiration, highlighting the voices, achievements, and challenges of women and girls worldwide.

Nearly half of global migrants are women whose vital care work sustains economies, yet harmful stereotypes continue to fuel discrimination, exclusion, and violence.

Life in refugee camps is harsh for girls, marked by overcrowding, lack of privacy, and limited access to food and basic necessities. They face heightened risks such as sexual violence and child marriage, alongside disrupted health services and education. Despite these challenges, girls are advocating for change, using their experiences to combat harmful practices and promote a future filled with peace and dignity. The �鶹APP Population Fund () empowers these girls and helps them build a more hopeful future.

Meet Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza and Dr. Mounia Laassiri, young scientists breaking barriers in STEM and inspiring global gender equality through their .

Achieving gender equality is essential to ending poverty, hunger, and tackling climate change. Rural women, while safeguarding the environment, are key in this effort. Yet, they still face deep inequalities while sustaining their families through unpaid work.  This International Day of Rural Women (15 October), under the theme “The Rise of Rural Women: Building Resilient Futures with Beijing+30”,  calls for their rights and full participation - reflecting the spirit of ,  a global commitment to gender equality for all women, everywhere.

Women and girls around the world are calling for peace with messages like “Ceasefire” and “End the war.” is amplifying these urgent demands through its initiatives. Research shows that when women participate in peace negotiations, the outcomes are more effective and enduring. Yet, 25 years since the launch of the —where global leaders recognized the impact of war on women and committed to their participation in peace processes —governments are still falling short. Understanding the link between gender equality and peace is essential, especially given the risks of neglecting these critical areas.

Across the globe, girls are rising to meet the challenges of our time. They are leading movements for climate justice, speaking out against violence, and boldly shaping their futures. But too often, their voices are silenced, their efforts overlooked, and their rights denied. As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration - the world’s blueprint for gender equality – the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October) calls us to listen to their voices and recognize their boundless potential. Let’s stand with girls and support their leadership. Your voice matters.

2025 is a pivotal year for global equality, with just five years left to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The highlights the potential consequences of inaction versus the benefits of progress. While there are hopeful signs, such as girls surpassing boys in education and increased female representation in government, persistent issues like poverty, climate disasters, and anti-feminism threaten these gains. The choice is clear: the world must invest now to ensure that equality becomes a reality for girls born today.

“You know, what am I doing every day for human beings, particularly those who are in, you know, a much more challenging situation, we need to support their courage, their resilience, their need to survive...and their rights.”

With her background in human rights law, Georgette Gagnon was once said to represent the conscience of war. Currently serving as the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, she has been devastated by the sweeping loss of rights for women and girls there.

“You used to see across the country hundreds of girls going to school... Now, of course, you don't see that, and it's heartbreaking. It's such a huge loss for the entire society,” she says.

Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of people in need of humanitarian support, and drastic cuts to humanitarian assistance affect access to critical care for millions. In this episode, Georgette Gagnon shares her hopes and fears for a country close to her heart, and reflects on a career serving in some of the world’s toughest places, from Syria to Sudan and Libya.

Photo: ©UN photo/UNAMA/Tahmina Osta

The Gender Transformative Mechanism () is an initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development () aimed at enhancing the impact of government-funded projects by promoting gender equality and women's empowerment alongside climate resilience. It provides financial support and technical assistance to help governments harness the potential of rural women. By 2030, it aims to empower over 20 million rural people across 20 countries.

What is life like for women and girls in Afghanistan today? UN Women’s explores the data and helps you understand what the world must do to stand with Afghan women.