Sign the Call to Action: Full Force Ahead for Women's Rights!
Full Force Ahead for Women's Rights!
Equal rights should be a given, but worldwide we are going backwards. It's time to change that together. We are putting the fight for global equal rights in the spotlight with the Rally for Women's Rights. At the same time, we are calling on the future cabinet to protect women's rights and gender equality. We need your help, help us move forward. The more people sign, the greater the impact on the plans of the future cabinet. Together, we are going full force ahead for women's rights!
Every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman or girl is murdered. It will take at least another 40 years before women (in all their diversity) are equally represented in politics. Worldwide, 1.1 billion women still do not have the same rights as men. And zero countries have achieved full gender equality. That includes the Netherlands.
In Europe, more and more young people believe that women belong in the home and should obey their husbands. Activists fighting for equal rights face intimidation, violence, and oppressive laws. Autocratic countries, repressive regimes, and ultra-conservative groups spread hatred and deliberately false information about women's rights and gender equality.
Women's rights are not a luxury
And yet women and girls, in all their diversity, are the backbone of societies around the world. From the Netherlands to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, from Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Afghanistan, they are building democracy, peace, and security—often at the risk of their own lives. It is precisely in places where exploitation, oppression, and extremism prevail that women are taking action locally. They organize, they protect, they speak out.
We call on the future cabinet: commit to women's rights and gender equality.
1. Protect female human rights defenders
Guarantee the safety and freedom of all women and girls who are committed to human rights. In the Netherlands and worldwide. They deserve recognition, protection and resources to do their work safely – regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age, religion, class, etc.
2. Give all women an equal voice
When women have a say, policies become more just, sustainable and peaceful. Ensure equal representation of women in politics and business, in negotiations on trade, peace, climate and safe working conditions.
3. Invest in gender equality
Countries where women's rights and gender equality are well regulated are more stable, prosperous and secure. Provide direct, ongoing financial support for women's rights organisations and initiatives that promote equal rights and opportunities.
4. Combat disinformation
Ensure that women's rights are not reversed. Support laws and regulations that help all women and girls to live freely and safely. Stop false and misleading information about women's rights and gender equality.
Did you know?
- Societies with gender equality and women's rights, including LGBTIQ+ rights, are more stable, more safe, more prosperous, and more democratic.
- Peace agreements in which women participate last 20 to 35 percent longer.
- Water projects work better when women are involved in decision-making and implementation.
- And companies with more women in leadership positions are 28% more likely to perform better.
When women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ people are given the opportunity to participate in decision-making, we not only strengthen societies; we build a world that is more just, safer, and stronger for everyone.
In 2025, we will celebrate two milestones for international women's rights
Exactly 30 years ago, all UN countries signed the Beijing Declaration on women's rights. This is the most important agenda for women's rights and gender equality worldwide, divided into 12 different themes. And 25 years ago, the UN Security Council adopted the Women, Peace and Security agenda, with the aim of enabling women to contribute to peace in conflicts. At a time of growing opposition to women's rights, gender equality, and democratic values worldwide, these agendas are more relevant than ever.
How can you help?
1. Sign the Call to Action!
2. Like and share the appeal on social media, via our
Instagram,
LinkedIn,
Facebook,
X, and
BlueSky.
3. Or create your own post by downloading
this image, or
this and/or
this template, and paste it over your own photo.
4. Post it on your social media, with the link to the appeal:
https://tinyurl.com/4cupvcj3
5. Tag
#equalrightsnow #cabinetforwomensrights
Women's Rights Rally - Race for Women's Rights
Have you heard about the race for women's rights? The Women's Rights Rally has been featured at various events since August. Politicians, our members, famous and not-so-famous Dutch people have already raced by! Will you join us? Check
the calendar here.
Race in mini cars on a playful track full of obstacles and accelerators with the Women's Rights Rally, the race for women's rights! A fun and symbolic race that lets you experience the barriers that stand in the way of equal rights. Will you make it to the finish line? Who or what gives you that extra push? The winner will, of course, have their photo taken with the trophy!
For the press
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
📞 Helene Oudman, Senior Communications Advisor WO=MEN
📧
h.oudman@wo-men.nl
📱06-53786705
Want to know more about why investing in women's rights and gender equality is so important? Check out our
Frequently Asked Questions, where we try to answer this question as objectively as possible.
