At the UN’s annual Commission on the Status of Women, leaders and activists from around the world came together to talk about a rising backlash against feminism and how recent funding cuts could seriously impact women’s rights. Many of them are concerned that progress is being reversed, and some grassroots organizations are struggling to survive.
Grace Forrest from Walk Free highlighted how women and girls are especially vulnerable to modern slavery and how difficult it is to move forward when basic rights are being threatened. Moufeeda Haidar from Restless Development shared how youth and feminist organizations, especially in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, are already feeling the effects of budget cuts. Finally, Linda Sestock from the Canadian Federation of University Women warned people about dangerous shifts in language and values that could silence diversity and inclusion, especially in education and technology.
Overall, these women made it clear that now is a time to stay alert, raise our voices, and fight for progress, even if it feels like we are taking steps backward before we move ahead. Despite all of the challenges faced, the energy at the conference was hopeful. The leaders are determined to keep fighting for change, supporting each other, and ensuring the voices of women and girls around the world are heard no matter what.
