Equality is more than just a worthy goal

Equality between women and men – it sounds like a matter of course. But it isn't. Women around the world are still disadvantaged: they are paid less, are less likely to hold leadership positions, are more often victims of violence, and are less represented in politics. This is precisely where UN Women comes in – the central United Nations organization for the rights and empowerment of women and girls.

Since its founding in 2010, UN Women has pursued a clear goal: a world in which gender no longer plays a role when it comes to opportunities, security, or participation. This is an important goal that is also legal data our hearts at legal data , which is why we are happy to support unwomen.at in matters of data protection law.

Four levers to empower women worldwide

UN Women does not fight with empty words, but with targeted work in four key areas:

• Leadership and co-determination: Women should be more strongly represented in political and economic decision-making processes worldwide—not as an exception, but as a rule.
• Economic independence: Those who are financially independent have more control over their own lives. UN Women therefore promotes projects that give women access to education, jobs, and fair wages.
• Freedom from violence: Whether it's domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, UN Women is committed to ensuring that women and girls can live safely. Worldwide. Always.
• Peace, security, and humanitarian aid: Women are particularly vulnerable in crisis areas, yet they are often key players in peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. UN Women ensures that their voices are heard.

Why is UN Women necessary at all?

The bare figures show:

• Equality exists only on paper.
• On average, women earn 20 percent less than men.
• Only about 26 percent of seats in national parliaments are held by women.
• Every day, millions of women around the world experience violence simply because they are women.

UN Women is therefore not just one of many UN organizations—it is the driving force that coordinates and holds all other UN institutions accountable on the issue of gender equality.

From four to one strong voice

Before UN Women existed, four different UN agencies were responsible for women's issues – often with limited budgets and no clear responsibilities. With the establishment of UN Women, the United Nations General Assembly joined forces in 2010: one name, one voice, one strong agenda for women's rights worldwide.

The work is based on clear legal foundations, including the famous Beijing Platform of 1995 and the international agreement on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW). But paper alone cannot change the world. That is why UN Women puts theory into practice through close cooperation with governments, NGOs, women's movements, and the private sector.

Comment: Equality is not a matter for negotiation

Something that is often hard to imagine in Germany: in many parts of the world, it is still dangerous to be a woman—especially if you fight back. UN Women makes the difference between symbolic politics and real progress.

Gender equality requires more than just lip service—it requires courage, clear goals, and, above all, the will to bring about real change. UN Women is doing just that. But as long as its work remains necessary, one thing is clear: the world is still far from achieving equality.