Women's groups: Pledging for gender equality by 2030 is not enough

UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

(Image credit: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)

published 10 March 2015

It's been a big week for the ladies of the world thus far: The United Nations' annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) began in New York on Monday, following the celebration of International Women's Day on Sunday. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the landmark conference, the delegates put together a new declaration that outlined a commitment to achieve "full realization of gender equality and the empowerment of women by 2030."

This sounds like welcome news, so why are women's groups be upset? Labeling the plan unambitious, Women's Rights Caucus expressed concern that the bill was being watered down by certain states, saying it "represents a bland reaffirmation of existing commitments." As of Tuesday, almost 1,000 women's groups had signed their support to the statement.

According to Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, at the current rate of progress, a child born today would have to live 80 years before she sees an equal world, so she considers the 15-year plan to be accelerated. “Yes, much has been done, and much of it worthwhile. However, what we chose to prioritize and act on has not led to irreversible and deep-rooted change,” she said.