"Let women and girls lead" - says Winnie Byanyima ahead of IWD

Speaking at the 2024 NORAD Conference, in Oslo, Byanyima warned that the world stands at a crossroads, facing profound challenges that threaten to undermine decades of progress in gender equality and human rights.

She pointed out the deep-rooted inequalities exacerbated by a patriarchal system and an exploitative form of capitalism. These systems, she said, privilege the few while marginalizing many, particularly women and girls, thrusting them into a cycle of unpaid labor and societal neglect.

The UNAIDS Executive Director's message was clear: to overcome these challenges, society must confront and dismantle the structures of inequality.

By challenging militarism, strongman politics, and the harmful myth that women’s rights undermine culture and tradition, Byanyima advocates for a world where human rights are the cornerstone of all development efforts. This, she believes, is essential for progress, health, and wellbeing for all.

Central to Byanyima's speech was the empowerment of women and girls, especially those from the poorest and most marginalized communities.

These individuals, Byanyima argues, are the most crucial leaders in the fight for rights and equality. Yet, a staggering statistic underscores a significant oversight in current efforts: only 1% of funding dedicated to gender equality reaches women’s and girls' organizations directly. This, Byanyima posits, must change.

The call to action extends to a broader appeal for sustained investment in feminist movements, particularly in the Global South.

Byanyima urges the global community to unite in support of sexual and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, the fight against racism, and the climate movement. These interconnected struggles form the bedrock of a comprehensive approach to human rights and development.

Byanyima's vision is one of inclusivity and empowerment, where young people play a pivotal role. Recognizing the innovative and courageous ways in which the youth challenge inequalities, climate change, and violence, she questions why these efforts are not more widely supported.

"Let's risk with our money. Let's risk with our resources of knowledge," Byanyima implores, highlighting the minimal risks for donors compared to the existential threats faced by activists on the frontlines.