In commemoration of International Women's Day, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action to achieve gender equality in the face of a "fierce backlash against women's rights." Guterres emphasized the marginalization, injustice, and discrimination faced by billions of women and girls globally, along with the alarming prevalence of violence against women.

One significant event that impacted women was the Israel-Gaza war, which lasted for five months. Disturbing figures from the Health Ministry in Gaza revealed that over 30,800 people were killed, with around 9,000 women losing their lives. The airstrikes in densely populated areas of Gaza displaced a significant portion of the population, including 1 million women and girls. Ensuing humanitarian concerns include thousands of pregnant women facing the prospect of giving birth without proper medical facilities, as the health system faces a collapse.

The plight of women in Gaza further extends to reports of sexual harassment and gender-based violence encountered by displaced women in camps. U.N. human rights experts have expressed concern about the inhumane treatment of Palestinian women and girls detained by Israeli forces in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Another alarming issue affecting women's reproductive rights is the ongoing debate surrounding abortion in the United States. Alabama's Supreme Court ruling that considers frozen embryos as individuals has sparked a national discussion on personhood and led to concerns about the future of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. However, Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill to protect providers and patients from legal liability if the embryos are damaged or destroyed during IVF procedures, a move supported by many Republicans across the country.

In terms of positive developments, France has taken a significant step by voting to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution. President Emmanuel Macron hailed this decision, which reflects the country's commitment to ensuring women have the freedom to make choices regarding their own bodies. Mexico also made progress by decriminalizing abortion in federal health facilities, expanding access to legal abortion services for over 70% of women who use the federal health system.

Spain faced its own reckoning with issues related to consent and harassment in the sports world. An incident where the president of the Spanish soccer federation kissed a player without her consent sparked outrage and led to a public outcry. Eventually, the president resigned, facing a three-year ban from FIFA, and a Spanish High Court judge recommended that he stand trial for sexual assault.

As International Women's Day shines a spotlight on the challenges and victories for women's rights worldwide, the call for gender equality and the elimination of violence and discrimination against women remains urgent. It serves as a reminder that progress is essential but more needs to be done to create a world where women can thrive and achieve their full potential.