A new report by the United Nations released to commemorate International Women’s Day has revealed that women worldwide still possess significantly fewer legal rights than men.
The report, titled Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls, shows that women currently enjoy only 64 percent of the legal rights available to men globally. According to the findings, this disparity continues to leave millions of women and girls vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.
The document highlights several concerning realities. In more than half of the world’s countries, rape laws are not based on the principle of consent. It also notes that nearly three-quarters of nations still legally permit girls to be forced into marriage, a practice that often disrupts their childhood, education, and future opportunities.
Additionally, about 44 percent of countries lack legislation that guarantees equal pay for work of equal value, while roughly 54 percent do not define rape based on consent.
The report further states that legal restrictions remain widespread in many parts of the world. Women in some countries face obstacles when trying to own property, file for divorce, pass citizenship to their children, or even work and travel freely without their husband’s approval.
The Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, warned that denying women access to justice has broader consequences for society.
According to her, when women are denied justice, public trust weakens, institutions lose credibility, and the rule of law itself becomes undermined. She stressed that a justice system that fails half of the population cannot genuinely claim to deliver justice.
Despite the challenges, the report acknowledged some progress in recent years. Approximately 87 percent of countries now have laws addressing domestic violence, and more than 40 nations have strengthened constitutional protections for women and girls over the past decade.
However, the UN cautioned that the existence of laws alone does not guarantee justice. Many survivors still face stigma, fear, financial limitations, and a lack of confidence in the institutions meant to protect them, leaving justice out of reach for many.
The report also pointed to emerging threats, including the rise of online abuse and instances where previously secured rights for women are being reversed in certain countries.
It further noted that access to justice is extremely limited for the estimated 676 million women and girls living within 50 kilometres of active conflict zones, where sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war. Reported cases of such violence have increased by 87 percent in just two years.
Commenting on the findings, António Guterres emphasized that advancing women’s rights remains vital for building fair and inclusive societies.
He reiterated that women’s rights are fundamental human rights and that investing in women and girls is one of the most effective ways to create a better world.
Guterres added that while International Women’s Day provides a moment to reflect on progress, it should also inspire stronger action. He stressed that true equality cannot exist when women are not equal under the law and called for greater support for UN Women and women’s movements globally to ensure legal rights translate into real protection for every woman and girl.