Women Hold Only 64% of Men’s Legal Rights: UN Women Warns

Ahead of International Women’s Day which is on March 8, 2026.UN Women has revealed that women globally hold just 64% of the legal rights afforded to men. The findings accompany a new report by the United Nations Secretary-General titled Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls. The report highlights that no country in the world has achieved full legal equality for women and girls. Which is exposing the systemic gaps in justice systems meant to protect rights and uphold the rule of law.

Key Findings from the UN Women Report 2026

The UN Women report identifies several alarming legal gaps worldwide,

• Women hold only 64% of men’s legal rights globally.
• In 54% of countries rape is not legally defined based on consent.
• Nearly three out of four countries still allow child marriage under certain conditions.
• In 44% of countries, there is no legal requirement for equal pay for equal work.

These findings underline persistent structural discrimination affecting women’s access to justice.

Legal Gaps and Growing Backlash

According to Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. When women and girls are denied justice, the damage extends beyond individuals and weakens public trust in institutions.

The report also warns of,

• A global backlash against gender equality commitments
• Laws being rewritten in some regions to restrict women’s freedoms
• Rising digital violence as technology advances faster than regulation
• Use of sexual violence as a weapon in conflict

Reported cases of sexual violence have increased by 87% in the past two years, underscoring the urgency of reform.

Progress Made, But Barriers Remain

Despite serious concerns, the report acknowledges some progress,

• 87% of countries have enacted domestic violence laws.
• More than 40 countries have strengthened constitutional protections for women in the last decade.

However, legal reforms alone are not enough. Social barriers such as stigma, victim-blaming, cost, language obstacles and lack of trust in institutions continue to prevent women from seeking justice.

International Women’s Day 2026 Theme and Global Focus

International Women’s Day 2026 will be observed under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

The upcoming 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will serve as a critical platform to address these setbacks and accelerate reforms in women’s legal rights globally.

UN Women has called for urgent global action to,

• End impunity for violence against women
• Strengthen rule of law
• Ensure equal rights in both law and practice

Question

Q. According to UN Women, women globally hold what percentage of men’s legal rights?

A) 50%
B) 64%
C) 75%
D) 80%