UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised civil society groups on Tuesday for “shaking the foundations of privilege” at a town hall during the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
Guterres highlighted growing backlash against women’s rights, fueled by disinformation, fear, and culture wars, warning that “the bitter wind thrives on pushing women into silence.” He urged activists to speak out, saying, “The last thing I want from you today is silence.”
The session also discussed the proposed merger of UN Women and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), aiming to create a stronger agency for gender equality and sexual health, though participants raised concerns about funding and shrinking public spaces.
Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo from Nigeria called on states to recognize that “women’s rights are human rights” and to actively support gender equality.
Guterres, in his final year as UN chief, pledged unwavering support for women and girls, emphasizing that advancing rights “comes at a price” but insisting that the fight against patriarchal pushback must continue.
“No rollback, no surrender. We will never, ever give up,” he declared.
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