I believe in a world where everyone is equal. I also believe in the power of our generation. We have come to an era when youths are empowered to speak up for themselves and for others. I believe in changes that include everyone in our communities, leaving no one behind, and I am confident that we, all together, can build a better world for us all.

In an op-ed for the Global Governance Project, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous writes: "The international community, including G20 leaders, have an opportunity to work together in unity to prevent the reversal of the hard-won rights of Afghan women and girls and to work constructively to enable a more inclusive trajectory that will actively foster peace and resilience in Afghanistan – and the region."

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, following consultations with Member States and the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women), announced today the appointment of Sima Sami Bahous of Jordan as Executive Director of UN Women.

“Women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. Women’s participation in all walks of life is essential for an inclusive, strong, and prosperous society in Afghanistan, both to meet the many challenges the country faces today and to succeed tomorrow. It is therefore critical that political decision-making processes are participatory, responsive, equitable, and inclusive,” stated Pramila Patten.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Under-Secretary-General Pramila Patten as officer-in-charge of UN Women, effective 18 August 2021.

In her statement for International Women's Day, UN Women Executive Directory Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said: "We need women’s representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversity and abilities, and across all cultural, social, economic and political situations. This is the only way we will get real societal change that incorporates women in decision-making as equals and benefits us all."

Pamela Grace P. Español-Solano is one of nine female doctors volunteering at a COVID-19 facility in southern Philippines.

Nicha Nitinavakarn is a police captain working in the Arrival Immigration Bureau at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, where women make up most of the workforce. Her responsibilities include passport check, entry approval and problem-solving for all arrival issues.

Parinya Sirirattanapanya used to have a pop-up clothing shop in Bangkok, which is now shut down because of the COVID-19 outbreak. She has turned to the food delivery industry, since that’s one of the few essential services still operating.

COVID-19 has impacted us all, butmost of thedecisions taken are by menand the voices we hear are often male., Yet, themajority of front-line health workers are women and many of the industries directly affected by quarantines and lockdowns—such as travel, tourism and food production—have a higher concentration of women. The care burden on women—already three times more than men on a good day—has grown exponentially. UN Women is bringing the voices of women on the front lines of the pandemic. As essential workers, care givers and journalists, here are some s(h)eroes who are out there, every day, protecting and serving their communities.

Associate Professor Dr. Tassana Boontong is President of Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council and Dean of Faculty of Nursing, HRH Chulabhorn College of Medical Sciences. She previously served as Vice-President, National Reform Council, 2014-2015; Senator, 2011-2014; Vice-President of the Senate, 2008-2011; Founding Dean of the Office of Nursing, Mae Fahluang University, 2006-2007; Founding Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Srinakharinwirot University, 2003-2006; and Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, 1987-1999.

In a statement, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka calls on governments to recognize both the enormity of the contribution women make and the precarity of so many in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the recent fight against COVID-19 in China, women from different sectors working at the frontline, formed a key pillar of the country’s national response efforts. They were doctors, nurses, scientists, construction workers, journalists, volunteers, and they all demonstrated outstanding commitment and professionalism in what were exceptionally challenging circumstances.

Local administrations in Cambodia are planning to incorporate into their climate change risk reduction plans the ideas contributed by female leaders who received training under a United Nations project. Local authorities discussed the plans with women’s and civil society groups on 17 and 19 October in two provinces, Prey Veng and Kompot...

For as long as I can remember, I have been walking miles every morning before school to fetch water for my family. Many in the village [Chilaune, near Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu] had to walk for hours to get water for cooking and cattle. Water shortage has always been one of the biggest problems of my village. Post-earthquake, as the spouts started mysteriously drying up, the need for a solution was more urgent. After [attending] a two-day...

UN Women’s HeForShe campaign today announced 10 bold commitments from its IMPACT Champions, demonstrating strong leadership to advance women’s rights and empowerment.

In a statement, UN Women's Executive Director says the organization stands in strong solidarity with the people of Nepal as they face the loss of life of loved ones and the physical devastation caused by the earthquake and aftershocks. She details that UN Women will work with local women’s groups to provide urgently needed services and support the overall humanitarian needs...

Chock-full of solid in-depth analysis and data, UN Women’s flagship report “Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016: Transforming Economies, Realizing Rights” will be launched on 28 April in Bangkok and seven cities around the world...

At a star-studded event today in New York City, high-powered speakers took the stage to put out a clarion call: a firm expiry date of 2030 for gender inequality, with real equality being nothing short of 50-50. The packed Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality event was a UN Women-hosted celebration for the 20th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Speakers called for bolder actions from governments and louder mobilization from citizens to move forward the agenda on women’s rights and gender equality, saying progress in the last 20 years has been too slow.

Inaugural speech at the MenEngage Global Symposium by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, 10 November 2014, New Delhi.