Statement of the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on the International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent 2025.

 

On the first International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk honours their courage, leadership, and contributions — and calls for urgent action to end systemic racism, sexism, and exclusion. #fightracism

On this first international day of women and girls of African descent, we honor the courage, creativity, and contributions of this important community. And we call urgently and insistently for the advancements of their human rights. Women of African descent have been presidents, poets, physicists, and peacebuilders. and I've had the honor of meeting many of them throughout my work with the United Nations. The work of women of African descent sustains communities and economies. They are guardians of culture and traditional knowledge and they have led transformative movements against enslavement, colonialism and apartheid. In many countries, women of African descent are among the most consistent supporters of justice, of equality, and sustainable development. But women and girls of African descent are among the most marginalized groups in society due to centuries of entrenched oppression and exclusion. Women and girls of African descent face significant barriers to quality education and job opportunities in many countries around the world. They're disproportionately exposed to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and the maternal mortality rates are up to five times higher than those of other groups. Women of African descent are largely excluded from political participation and leadership positions. They are more likely to face discrimination throughout the criminal justice system and to struggle for accountability on behalf of loved ones lost to police violence and racism. A woman of African descent may also be a migrant or have a disability or live in poverty or a combination of these compounding the discrimination they face.

We need to do so much better for girls and women of African descent, not only to realize their full human rights, but to create a safer, more equal and just world for everyone. Change begins with ensuring full respect for the human rights of all. and states need to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and policies based on data that is disaggregated by race or ethnic origin, sex, age, and other factors. We need to increase the participation and representation of women of African descent through special measures including quotas if necessary. My office supports a fellowship program that promotes equality for people of African descent at international and regional levels. Since 2011, this has helped 160 people from 50 countries, nearly three quarters of whom were women of African descent. More broadly, societies need to overcome the root causes of systemic racism and misogyny, including the legacies of colonialism, enslavement, and patriarchy.
Together, let's make justice and equality a reality for all women and girls of African descent.