UN Warns Women’s Rights Face Global Backlash in 2026

A package of cocaine seized by authorities along with a field test kit used to ascertain the substance. (file photo)

International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a critical moment. Women and girls have never been closer to equality — and never closer to losing it. Legal protections against domestic violence have expanded in many countries, yet women’s rights are being rolled back in plain sight. Across the world, women still do not enjoy the same legal rights as men.

On 4 March, ahead of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), UN Women will launch a report warning that systems meant to protect women and girls are failing, leaving millions exposed to discrimination, violence and impunity as backlash against gender equality intensifies.

From 9 to 19 March, governments and civil society representatives will gather at United Nations Headquarters for CSW70, the world’s largest annual forum dedicated to gender equality and women’s rights. Decisions made at the forum influence laws, policies, funding and accountability across countries.

This year’s theme emphasises rights, justice and action for all women and girls. The session is seen as a major test of whether the global community will act collectively to ensure equality before the law or allow injustice to persist.

Meanwhile, four years into the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 5,000 women and girls have reportedly been killed and 14,000 injured, with 2025 described as the deadliest year so far. The actual toll is believed to be significantly higher.

As the conflict intensifies and energy infrastructure attacks disrupt daily life, a worsening funding crisis is threatening women’s rights organisations that provide essential protection and support services. Many such organisations are facing severe financial shortfalls, forcing them to scale back or shut down operations.

A separate UN Women report on foreign assistance cuts highlights the scale of the crisis, warning that one in three surveyed organisations may survive only six months or less under current funding conditions. Women-led groups in Ukraine are projected to lose at least USD 52.9 million by year’s end.

These cuts could halt life-saving services for at least 63,000 women and girls in 2026, particularly those in frontline and rural areas, older women, female-headed households and persons with disabilities.

Funding reductions are compounded by a nationwide energy crisis and continued attacks, which are undermining operational capacity and limiting access to affected populations. Millions of Ukrainians remain without reliable electricity, heating and water.

UN officials stressed that sustained financial support is essential for women’s organisations to continue providing protection, humanitarian assistance and recovery services, and to ensure women can play a meaningful role in rebuilding a just and lasting peace.