Tackling Harassment, Discrimination against Women Begins with Gender Parity, Says Secretary-General, Marking Five Years of System-wide Strategy

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message marking five years of the United Nations System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity, in New York today:

Tackling harassment and discrimination against women begins with gender parity.  Five years ago, I launched the United Nations System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity to achieve just that across our Organization by 2028.  The Strategy sets out targeted steps including mentoring programmes, training and global outreach.

Five years on, we have parity among senior leadership, and a higher proportion of women in international categories.  But gaps remain, particularly at entry level and in some of our largest and most complex missions.

Parity is not only about numbers but about changing our organizational culture.  I count on all of us to do our part.  We must redouble our efforts, working closely with Member States and civil society.

Gender equality is not only a human rights issue.  It is a fundamental prerequisite for a safer, more peaceful, more sustainable and more prosperous world.