Thousands of women march in Lima demanding action on gender violence ahead of Peru elections. Source: REUTERS

More than a century after International Women’s Day was first recognized, the world has made significant progress in expanding opportunities for women. However, international organizations note that gender gaps persist across many areas of economic, social and legal life.

This underscores the urgent need to move from recognizing rights on paper to ensuring they are effectively implemented in practice, echoing this year’s core message: “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.”

The message is seen as a call for the global community to move beyond commitments toward concrete action, ensuring that all women and girls can live safely, be protected under the law and enjoy equal opportunities for development.

According to experts, guaranteeing women equal access to justice, education and economic opportunities is not only a matter of human rights but also a key condition for promoting sustainable development and social stability worldwide.