UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men worldwide.

In a message marking the International Women’s Day that falls on March 8, he said legal discrimination can shape every aspect of a woman’s life.

“She may be prevented from owning property, seeking a divorce, or taking a job without her husband’s permission. In more than 40 countries, marital rape is not recognized as a crime,” said the UN chief.

The day focuses on rights, action and justice for all women and girls.

He said other laws restrict women’s access to education, their ability to pass on citizenship to their children, or even their freedom of movement outside the home.

Where legal protections do exist, discrimination and weak enforcement mean women still struggle to access courts and legal support, Guterres said.

“Many of these unjust laws have been on the books for centuries. But today, we are also witnessing a dangerous new trend. Amid rising authoritarianism, growing political instability, and a renewed push to entrench patriarchy, hard-won advances are being rolled back — from fairer work protections to sexual and reproductive rights,” he said.

Guterres said they must unite to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.

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By fighting discriminatory laws and practices, and defending the progress already achieved, he said they can ensure the dignity, opportunity and freedom all women deserve.

“When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls, everywhere,” Guterres.