International Women’s Day 2026: UN Chief's Message and Call for Action Poem

Message of UN Chief

In anticipation of International Women’s Day 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that gender inequality is the biggest human rights issue in the world, and he called for immediate steps to break down patriarchal systems.

Under the theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls," he supported the 70th Commission on the Status of Women to tackle deep-seated sexism.

The UN leader stressed that investing in women and girls promotes peace and development, pushing for legal changes to eliminate discrimination and urging for more involvement in digital, scientific, and leadership positions.

Call for Action on Women's Day: A Poem

A day for women, strong and bold,

A story yet to all be told.

Let's rise today, with voices clear,

For equal rights, banish fear.

Empower women, quick and fast,

The time for waiting now is past.

Accelerate, with open hand,

To help them rise across the land.

The steps we've made, some slipped away,

Setbacks sting, clouding the day.

Let's push back now, with hopeful might,

And claim the future, shining bright.

Laws that bind, unfair and mean,

Restricting what women should have seen,

Property, knowledge, freedom's flight,

Tear down these walls, and make things right.

Tech can help, or tech can harm,

Beware the bias, sound the alarm.

Inclusive coding, fair and true,

For women's voices, shining through.

Violence against them, shameful stain,

We must prevent, again, again.

So rise today, with voices strong,

Right every wrong, where wrong's been long.