On the International Women’s Day, the UN and regional experts, including members of the Platform of Independent Expert Mechanisms on the Elimination of Discrimination and Violence against Women (EDVAW Platform) have identified alarming trends and expressed concern at the growing backlash against women’s and girls’ rights in all spheres of life, calling for united efforts from all actors to preserve hard-fought gains.

The joint statement highlights the unprecedented challenges faced by women and girls around the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, such as increased gender-based discrimination and violence, attacks and the targeting of women and girls’ human rights defenders, both physically and through online violence. The international and regional experts urge governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector to prioritise the protection and promotion of women's rights, and to ensure that women are involved in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. 

The joint statement underscores the need for a co-ordinated global response to address the challenges facing women and girls, and emphasises the importance of ensuring that women's rights remain a top priority in the post-pandemic world.