Women are rising

Across the globe, women are standing up for their rights, even in the face of growing backlash. Watch our new video that showcases the women rising up every day to create a more equal future.

Why gender equality is crucial

Gender equality is not just a matter of fairness. It is essential to ending poverty, reducing inequality, and building a more sustainable future for everyone.

Yet across the world today, women and girls continue to face disproportionate barriers to opportunity and wellbeing. They are more likely to experience hunger and poor health. They are less likely to own land, hold assets, have access to banking services, or benefit from social protection systems. Too often, they are denied the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

The consequences extend far beyond individuals. When women’s rights advance, the impact of every other development investment grows. Communities become more resilient, economies become stronger, and societies become more prosperous. Conversely, when women’s rights are restricted, development progress stalls.

Decades of progress are being rolled back

Despite decades of progress, the world is moving too slowly. With only four years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), current projections show that every single target under Goal 5 — the goal dedicated to gender equality — will be missed. No country is currently on track to meet all of its commitments.

Recent trends are particularly concerning. Between 2019 and 2022, nearly 40% of countries, representing more than 1.1 billion women and girls, either stagnated or moved backwards on gender equality.

At the same time, the international systems designed to protect and promote women’s rights are under increasing pressure. International law and multilateral cooperation face growing challenges as some states withdraw from treaties, reduce funding for UN mechanisms, and seek to remove references to gender from international agreements and frameworks. This backlash against gender equality is not isolated — it is coordinated and global in nature.

For women’s rights organisations, the effects are being felt directly. Funding has become scarcer, less flexible, and more restricted, making it increasingly difficult for these organisations to continue their vital work.

Yet, women are rising

And yet, even in the face of these challenges, women continue to rise.

Across the world, women are organising, leading, and driving change. They are transforming communities, defending hard-won rights, and creating opportunities where none seemed possible. Despite being among those most affected by inequality, poverty, climate change, violence, and exclusion, women leaders on the frontlines are breaking barriers and protecting progress for future generations.

At a time when many governments have reduced their international aid commitments, Ireland has remained steadfast. Irish international aid continues to play an important role in supporting women’s movements and advancing gender equality around the world.

The fight for gender equality is far from over, but progress is possible when we invest in women, support their leadership, and stand in solidarity with those driving change.

Read more about ActionAid’s Irish Aid funded women’s rights programme here.