UNRC Gwyn Lewis calls for an end to violence, says it’s non-negotiable

UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Saturday shared six actions that are needed to make gender equality a lived reality in Bangladesh and called for an end to violence, stressing that this is non-negotiable.

"Bangladesh has also made significant strides over the years to advance women's rights and empowerment. However, we must be clear-eyed about the challenges," she said while speaking at an event at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city marking International Women's Day.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus honoured outstanding women with the "Indomitable Women's Award-2025" for their significant contributions to various fields as part of the government initiative to pay due respect and inspire them through recognising their contributions.

UNRC Lewis said women and girls continue to face significant barriers to equality, including political underrepresentation, violence, moral policing and deeply entrenched social norms.

She said the invisibilisation of young women that were at the forefront of the Anti-Discrimination Movement in July-August has been concerning.

The UNRC laid emphasis on equal decision-making power in the public and private domain, including by applying temporary special measures; freedom from poverty, decent and green jobs and the redistribution of the care burden; peace and security; climate justice to prioritise women and girls' rights and their access to productive assets and land rights; and digital revolution, so women and girls have access to technology, financial services, markets and networks as part of six actions.

"This will need a whole of society and all hands on deck approach. We in the UN stand ready to support and work closely with the government of Bangladesh and civil society partners," Lewis said.

Quoting UN Secretary General António Guterres, she said, "When the doors of equal opportunity are open for women and girls, everyone wins... When women and girls can rise, we all thrive."

The UNRC conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to the awardees and said, "Your resilience, courage, and dedication will inspire so many women and girls across the country to drive meaningful change. The world needs more role models like you as we witness a push back on women's rights."

2025 is a special year as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security; and five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

"As we mark the 30 years of the landmark Beijing Declaration, we must celebrate the gains. The world today is more equal for women and girls than ever before. Women have fought for—and won—the right to vote, to work, to lead," said the UNRC.

She said there are more girls in school than at any time in history and more women are breaking barriers, rising to power and reshaping the world of work.

"Digital activism is stirring global movements for justice. We now have stronger laws against domestic violence. A new wave of fearless, youth-led activism is rising across the world – as we also witnessed in Bangladesh last year," she added.

Lewis said the promise of equality made by world leaders to all women and girls in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was bold, historic and revolutionary. "Now in 2025 that promise is slipping away."

She said gender discrimination remains deeply embedded in all economies and societies, imposing chronic constraints on the rights and hopes of women and girls.

"A woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or member of her own family. For 20 years, the gender gap in labour force participation has remained stagnant. In just one year, the proportion of women killed in war doubled. Women and girls contribute the least to climate change—yet suffer its worst consequences," she said.

At the UN, Lewis said they believe that rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls are achievable. "We know what must be done—and we know we can do it."

Sharifa Sultana, Halima Begum, Marina Besra, Lipi Begum, Muhin Mohona, players of Bangladesh National Women Cricket team members are among the recipients of the awards.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event attended by members of the Council of Advisers, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, women leaders and senior government officials.

Gitiara Nasreen, a professor of Mass Communication and Journalism, spoke as a special guest while Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaj Ahmed, delivered welcome remarks.

A documentary was screened at the event. A powerful and emotional cultural event was also held highlighting the July uprising.