International Women’s Day (IWD), under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, is an opportunity to assess progress towards fulfilling women and girls’ rights and the challenges many of them still face worldwide. This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which includes as one of its goals the removal of “[…] all obstacles to women’s active participation in all spheres of public and private life through a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making. […].”
Today, achieving gender equality remains critical to achieving peaceful, just, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Although the gender gap in education is narrowing, currently, “no country has all relevant laws to prohibit discrimination, prevent gender-based violence, uphold equal rights in marriage and divorce, guarantee equal pay, and provide full access to sexual and reproductive health.” Therefore, with just five years left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, executing the theme is tantamount to “leaving no one behind.”
This year’s theme resonates deeply with the plight of Afghan women and girls who, for more than three years since the Taliban’s return to power, have been courageously fighting to reclaim their dignity and fundamental freedoms. The Taliban has systemically institutionalized gender discrimination through a series of edicts aimed at controlling every aspect of women’s lives, bodies, and voices while dictating women’s behavior according to their rules, including barring them from secondary and higher-level education, employment, political participation, and equal access to healthcare. All of these actions are done in blatant violation of Afghanistan’s obligations as a party to international human rights treaties. This reality is causing profound and lasting distress for Afghan women and girls, who, unable to exercise their most fundamental rights, feel that the international community has left them behind.
Survivor-centered and gender-responsive approaches to justice are critical to ending impunity. Efforts to prosecute the crimes before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and hold Afghanistan accountable for such human rights violations by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) represent a crucial avenue for justice and reparation for millions of Afghan victims. Furthermore, the ongoing initiative to adopt an international convention to prevent and punish crimes against humanity and to include the recognition of the crime of gender apartheid presents a key opportunity to strengthen global mechanisms.
We must end the systematic and structural war against women in Afghanistan, and recognize the crime of gender apartheid under international and national laws. Afghan women are not just fighting for themselves; we are fighting for justice and lasting peace for women everywhere. For all women and girls to be able to exercise their rights, we demand gender justice, equal rights, and empowerment. Hon. Fawzia Koofi, Member of Afghanistan’s Parliament in Exile and Recipient of PGA’s 2024 Defender of Democracy Award
Hon. Fawzia Koofi (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan
The Taliban’s policies are not just designed to erase women from society—they are a systematic attempt to eliminate women’s existence as free and equal human beings. By criminalizing their voices, stripping them of their rights, and enforcing brutal oppression, the Taliban have institutionalized gender apartheid. Yet, Afghan women refuse to be silenced. They resist, they fight, and they bear unimaginable risks—arrest, torture, and execution—because their freedom is non-negotiable. The international community must do more than condemn; it must take decisive action to hold the Taliban accountable and ensure Afghan women are at the forefront of political and justice processes. Hon. Mariam Solaimankhil, Member of Afghanistan’s Parliament in Exile and PGA Member
Hon. Mariam Solaimankhil (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan
“For ALL women and girls” demands action in three areas: (1) advancing women’s and girls’ human rights and challenging violence and discrimination; (2) promoting gender equality by addressing systemic barriers, dismantling patriarchy, and transforming entrenched inequities; and (3) fostering empowerment by ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces.
Parliamentarians are fundamental to making strides in these action areas. As citizens’ representatives, they have opportunities to shape national agendas, work with civil society to preserve the civic space, and ensure that their legal systems respect equality, inclusion, and justice.
Member-parliamentarians of PGA are championing the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls globally.
In Belize, parliamentarians succeeded in raising the legal age for marriage, strengthening the protections for children.
Raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 is a critical step toward ensuring gender equality in Belize. By ending child marriage, we are protecting the rights of girls, empowering them to pursue education and opportunities, and breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. This decision reaffirms our commitment to building a future where every girl has the chance to reach her full potential, free from coercion and discrimination. Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize and PGA Executive Board Member
Hon. Valerie Woods (Belize)
Speaker of the House of Representatives and PGA Executive Board Member
In Argentina, parliamentarians took steps to increase the political participation of women in public institutions.
Ensuring equal representation in politics is fundamental to establishing a strong democracy. In Argentina, we have made significant progress with gender parity laws, but true equality requires ongoing commitment. We must continue strengthening policies that empower women to run for office, participate in decision-making, and shape the future of our country. A Congress that reflects the voices of its entire people is a Congress that delivers better outcomes for everyone. Dip. Margarita Stolbizer, Member of Parliament of Argentina and PGA Executive Board Member
Dip. Margarita Stolbizer (Argentina)
Argentina
In Uganda, parliamentarians are challenging rising homophobia, recognizing that gender inclusion also means lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex women’s inclusion.
Rising homophobia threatens the fundamental principles of human rights, dignity, and equality for all Ugandans. No one should live in fear because of who they are or whom they love. As leaders, we have a duty to uphold justice and protect every citizen from discrimination and violence. A society that respects diversity is stronger. We must stand against hate and work towards a country where everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and humanity. Hon. Fox Odoi, Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of Uganda and PGA Executive Board Member
Hon. Fox Odoi (Uganda)
Uganda
