International Women's Day (IWD), a holiday in many countries, is celebrated annually as a focal point in the women's rights movement. International Women's Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violence and abuse against women. Encouraged by the universal female suffrage movement, International Women's Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century with March 8, being declared, according to some, by Vladimir Lenin.
The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, which had been proclaimed as the International Women's Year. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited Member States to "proclaim in accordance with their historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace". In common with most countries, March 8 has been traditionally recognised as the day for International Women's Days by the UN for women's rights and world peace. It has since been commemorated annually by the UN and much of the world, with each year's observance centred on a particular theme or issue within women's rights.
Regardless of legal status, in many parts of the world, it is customary for women and men to give their female colleagues and loved ones flowers and gifts on the day. In some countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, it is also observed as an equivalent of Mother's Day, where children also give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. International Women's Day is widely celebrated in France as the "International Women's Rights Day".
While celebrating the International Women's Day, 2025 on the basis of its denotations, many analysts have expressed their dissatisfaction over the implementation of the expected connotations.
Some have drawn attention to various aspects that, according to them, need to be examined and resolved.
One such dimension that has been particularly brought up relate to the United Nations. Analysts Jesselina Rana and Shihana Mohamed have made some significant observations.
They reflect various dimensions related to the fact that the United Nations had chosen "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment" as the theme for International Women's Day on March 8, 2025. This theme emphasized the importance of equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, urging action to create a feminist future where no one is left behind. The annual UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meets in March each year to address the widespread inequalities, violence and discrimination women continue to face all around the world. The sixty-ninth session of the CSW took place in New York.
This year's International Women's Day, was celebrated under the theme, 'Accelerate Action': a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation.
One aspect received particular scrutiny. There was reference to the fact that the UN has long been a champion of gender equality, advocating for women's rights and empowerment across the globe. However, despite its strong stance on gender issues, the UN has yet to elect a female Secretary-General in its nearly 80-year history. This paradox highlights significant issues regarding the organization's internal dynamics and the broader challenges of achieving gender parity in global leadership. It also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to remove systemic barriers that prevent women from attaining top leadership positions.
It may be noted here that the UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly, but only upon the recommendation of the Security Council, in accordance with Article 97 of the UN Charter. The selection process is both complex and politically charged.
The Security Council, where the five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - hold major influence, also has the power to veto candidates. This structure has historically favored individuals with strong political backing and extensive diplomatic experience, most of whom have been men. Of the five permanent UN Security Council members, only France and the United Kingdom have had a female head of state or government, while China, Russia, and the United States have not. This contributes to an estimated 40% probability of selecting a female UN Secretary-General again in 2026. To be chosen as the Secretary-General, a candidate must secure at least nine votes from the Security Council Members, with no vetoes from the permanent members.
Of the current ten Non-Permanent Members of the Security Council only Denmark, Pakistan, and the Republic of Korea have had a female head of state. As such, without any vetoes from permanent members, the chances of selecting a female Secretary-General are about 33 per cent. As of November 2024, only 30 women were serving as Heads of State and/or Government in 28 countries, reflecting a significant gender disparity in global leadership. This represents a small fraction of the 193 member states of the UN General Assembly. Accordingly, based on current trends, there is only about a 15 per cent chance of selecting a female UN Secretary-General.
All nine UN Secretary Generals to date have been men, reflecting a historical pattern where candidates with strong political backing and alignment with the interests of the permanent members of the Security Council have been favoured. The historical dominance of men in the UN's highest office creates a challenging legacy to overcome. This precedent can shape perceptions and biases, making it more difficult for female candidates to be seen as viable options. Based on historical precedents of selecting only men, the possibility of having a woman as the next Secretary-General is close to zero.
Historically, leadership roles have been shaped by masculine norms and values, which continue to influence the structures and practices of power even today. For example, international politics often mirrors -dominance, conflict, and hegemony- viewed by most women as masculine traits.
The geopolitical interests of the Security Council's permanent members heavily influence the selection process, with their Veto power, often used to block candidates who do not align with their priorities. The need for consensus among these powerful nations often results in the selection of candidates who align with their geopolitical interests, rather than prioritising gender equality. These dynamics can overshadow the push for gender equality, leading to the selection of male candidates who are perceived to better serve the strategic interests of these nations.
Such interaction of international politics and gender considerations creates a challenging environment for female candidates. Shihana Mohamed has observed that historically, the office of the Secretary-General has been held by individuals from various regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Western Europe. This practice apparently aimed towards balancing regional influence within the UN and promoting leadership diversity. Such regional rotation has played an important, though informal, role in selecting the UN Secretary-General, as candidates typically need support from their regional groups to gain wider acceptance. However, it needs to be remembered that the final selection is still subject to the approval of the Security Council, where any of the five permanent members can veto the choice.
The practice of regional rotation has not yet resulted in the selection of a female Secretary-General. In 2016, there was a significant push to select the first female Secretary-General, with several female candidates from Eastern Europe being considered. However, António Guterres from Portugal was finally selected.
Advocacy for appointing a female Secretary-General as the UN's 10th Secretary-General in 2026 is gaining momentum. Various organisations and influential figures are calling for gender equality in the UN's highest office. However, although many Member States have expressed support for a female Secretary-General, the lack of concrete steps to reform the selection process means that this support remains largely symbolic. Breaking this glass ceiling towards true gender equality is most unlikely.
Fabian Zuleeg Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre has also made an interesting observation. "In 2025, we are facing a global collective challenge that threatens achievements in equality and diversity as a central tenet of our liberal democracies. With Donald Trump as US President, misogynism and a disregard for women's rights are accompanied by a general deterioration in political culture and language. The latter has become increasingly vicious in seeking to diminish opponents. The vitriol is particularly aimed at women and/or minorities, and migrants are targeted especially".
One may conclude by referring to some interesting multi-dimensional comments made by analyst Elizabeth Kuiper. She has pointed out that in 2025, she firmly believes that "we need to address the polarisation damaging our societies, democracies and personal relationships. Many of the elections that took place in 2024 -- globally as well as within the EU -- have seen incumbent leaders replaced by radical right figures as well as mainstream parties shifting to more radical positions and anti-gender policies. What all these politicians and parties have in common is how they divide our societies and democracies". She has then noted that politically, when citizens believe that they are left behind or even betrayed by political elites, they become more susceptible to populist narratives. On the other hand, under the right conditions, diversity makes society stronger.
Inclusion of gender equality and meaningful contact between groups and people can enrich our societies and relationships. In 2025, we should realise that --together, we can be more powerful.
Relevant steps also need to be taken by the authorities to see that they do not face undue difficulties. We must understand that there is no alternative to equal opportunities for education, personal security, safe transport and better health care for women and girls. Such factors will make them more self-reliant. These factors will help our nation move forward towards greater socio-economic development.
Such equality of rights both in urban and rural areas are vital and crucial.
Former Bangladesh Ambassador and Under Secretary General of the United Nations A. K. Chowdhury has correctly reminded us that we must not forget the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security twenty-five years ago that opened a much-awaited door of opportunity for women. The key focus of 1325 was that women - equal half of humanity - bring in a new breadth, quality and balance of vision in making our planet safe and secure. We can then actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's power, promise and potential. Our individual actions, conversations, and mindsets can transform our larger society.
Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialized in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance, can be reached at muhammadzamir0@gmail.com
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