UN Report: Women Hold Only 64% of Men's Legal Rights

A recent United Nations report indicates that women globally have only 64% of the legal rights that men enjoy, underscoring a persistent gap in gender equality. The report, titled "Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for Women and Girls," highlights that laws in many countries restrict women's freedoms and fail to protect them from abuse.

It notes that nearly three-quarters of nations do not base rape laws on consent, and 44% lack laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work. Furthermore, 54% of countries do not define rape based on consent, and women face legal barriers in property ownership, divorce, and citizenship.

Sima Bahou, UN Women Executive Director, stated that denying justice to women damages public trust in institutions and undermines the rule of law. Despite some progress, such as 87% of countries having laws against domestic violence, many survivors still encounter stigma and financial barriers.

The report calls for urgent action to close the justice gap and ensure women's rights are upheld globally.