KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (IPS) – World of 2026 marked by overlapping crises Which continues to highlight the weakness of our systems and the persistence of inequality. Geopolitical conflicts enrich some while devastate manyExacerbating the already devastating effects of climate change. These political choices are not neutral – they shrink civic spaces, strengthen and embolden political extremism. Coordinated attacks on gender equality and human rights. These attacks are not random; They are a deliberate strategy to undermine multilateralism and global solidarity, undermining the foundations of peace and planetary well-being.
Against this backdrop, the struggle for gender equality and human rights cannot be timid or reactive, it must be as ambitious and bold as the strikes – if not more courageous. It must be transformative, deeply rooted in dismantling harmful power structures that oppress, exclude and discriminate. This does not require noise and spectacle, but it requires depth, strength and unwavering determination.
The Covid-19 pandemic was an alarm bell. Even before the virus spread, commitments to gender equality and human rights had not materialized. The pandemic exposed complacency in global health and the limits of institutions that claim authority but failed to provide equity. Mistrust increased, funding dried up and self-interest took over. bilateral agreements Development funding has largely been left behind, driven by business interests, leading to nationalist reactions and uneven outcomes.
Yet, amid this devastation, experts reflecting on the pandemic and responses provided insights that remain important today. He challenged dominant narratives that portray health preparedness as solely technical or emergency-driven. Instead, he emphasized that vulnerability and resilience shape political choice. At the core of these choices lies the urgent need to continually invest in gender equality – not as a token gesture, but as an effort non-negotiable priority.
Today, more evidence than ever supports its need structural change. Research shows how gender inequalities widen health vulnerabilities, weaken flexibilityAnd Perpetuating the cycle of poverty and exclusion. Proof It also shows when Women’s rights organizations and women-led organizations are empowered, societies become more resilient, equitable and prosperous.
This evidence enables us to strategically address blind spots, confront deeply rooted structural challenges, and build a strong foundation for gender equality and human rights as central health sector priorities. This underlines that change is not optional – it is imperative.
Changing harmful power structures requires coalitions that transcend regions, sectors, and movements. Feminist organizations should join climate justice advocates, disability rights groups, and grassroots activists and unions to build collective power. Solidarity is not just a moral imperative; This is a strategic necessity.
These alliances should be based on trust, diversity and shared vision. They must resist co-option by market interests and stand firm in their commitment to justice. Only through such alliances can we combat the fragmentation that is weakening movements and confront global forces that seek to divide and dominate.
The way forward is clear: We must demand social change that dismantles harmful power structures. It requires personal development, legislative reform, representative leadership and unwavering political commitment. This requires investment in feminist movements, especially in areas where civic space is shrinking and protests are intensifying.
Change will be inconvenient. It will challenge established interests and disrupt familiar patterns. But it is necessary. The alternative is a world where oppression deepens, exclusion increases and discrimination becomes normal.
The crisis of 2026 reinforces that gender equality and human rights are not peripheral concerns-They are central to health equity, economic and social justice and sustainable development. Gender equality and human rights are under attack because they challenge strong, exploitative power structures.
Their transformative potential threatens the preservation of existing systems of power, making them targets of deliberate and coordinated attacks. Our response must be equally bold, ambitious and transformative. It is not enough to defend what has been achieved. We must reimagine and rebuild. We must demand social change that transforms harmful power structures. Only then can we secure healthier, more equal lives and a sustainable future.
Many of these challenges will be addressed Women Present 2026 ConferenceTaking place in Melbourne from 27 to 30 April, the event is a major platform to advance gender equality and strengthen collective action globally.
The event will bring together diverse stakeholders to foster strategic alliances, strengthen feminist leadership, and advance concrete solutions in areas such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, sustainable financing and accountability. At a pivotal moment for the global agenda, it provides an opportunity to turn conversations into concrete action and measurable commitments.
Johanna released Policy Research Lead at the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH).
Asha George Professor, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town
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