Supporting Access to Knowledge and Inspiring Action #ForAllWomenAndGirls.
Every year on 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day—a time to remember progress, recognize the challenges we still face, and confirm our commitment to gender equality. This year’s theme, #ForAllWomenAndGirls, is a chance to highlight the work that remains to ensure everyone, everywhere has equal rights and opportunity.
At the UN Library & Archives Geneva, we believe in the power of access to information and knowledge. Through our collections, we invite you to explore the past, engage with the present, and envision a more equitable future for all. Here is a selection of resources to mark this special observance.
The path to gender equality - 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
This year's celebrations coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing, China, by 189 governments, it transformed the women's rights agenda and is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. Much has been achieved since its adoption, including incredible advances in policy changes and legal protection for women, access to essential services for women and girls in need, increasing engagement of young women in equality movements, and increased women's participation as leaders and decision-makers.
Yet, there is still much to be done to ensure all women and girls can enjoy equal rights. You can explore a range of articles and resources in our catalogue on this landmark commitment, and learn more about the Beijing Declaration with this useful explainer by UN Women.
Understanding our past on the path of progress.
Here at the Library & Archives, a wealth of archival documents show us the incredible stories of women who've shaped multilateral processes and peace efforts over time. Remembering and sharing these stories can help inspire and remind us of our place on the path of progress.
Explore our thematic guides on women who’ve shaped international relations and feminist ideas, including Women in the League of Nations Secretariat, and Bertha von Suttner, a leading figure of the 19th century peace movements.
Marching forward - Learn more through books, articles, podcasts and more.
Our collection features a diverse range of resources. You can explore our Research Guide on Women and Gender Equality, which provides access to curated materials, from UN documents and treaties to journal articles, books and databases. Or, If you’re looking for your next read, get inspired by book recommendations on women shaping the international arena.
If you prefer podcasts, the Library's podcast The Next Page features a range of fascinating conversations on women and gender equality. To get started, listen to the stories of how women worked to ensure gender equality was included in UN conventions, treaties and documents, and in the UN Charter.
In our video playlist The Journey to the Summit of the Future, dive into intersectionality and why it matters with Adriana Quiñones, Head of Human Rights and Development at the UN Women Liaison Office in Geneva, and the nexus of climate and gender with Aneschka Berchtold, Swiss Youth Representative to the United Nations.
Need help? Have a question? Ask a Librarian!
If you need support, our team is here to help: you can Ask a Librarian. We look forwarding to supporting your knowledge journey on the path to equal rights #ForAllWomenandGirls.