We need, and women and girls expect and deserve, acceleration, redoubled effort, and an overdue recognition that what has been done does not suffice

Sima Bahous

Mar 24, 2025

Hannah Watton

Community Ambassador and Team Support Executive, Laidlaw Foundation

We need, and women and girls expect and deserve, acceleration, redoubled effort, and an overdue recognition that what has been done does not suffice

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Accelerating Action and Gender Equality: Sima Bahous

As we mark the end of CSW69 (Commission on the Status of Women), we recognise the words of Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director. Her quote, taken from the opening of CSW69 at UN Headquarters, highlights the fast, immediate action that must be taken at a crucial moment in time, in which there is a potential for the progress in gender equality to become undone:

Sima Bahous: "We need, and women and girls expect and deserve, acceleration, redoubled effort, and an overdue recognition that what has been done does not suffice, what is being done is not enough, and what must be done can no longer be deferred."

A Champion for Women, Girls and Youth Empowerment

Sima Bahous has been the UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director since 2021. She advocates for women and girls, gender equality, and youth empowerment and upholds quality education. Bahous's leadership experience spans 35 years from grassroots to international levels. She specialises in progressing women's rights and advancing sustainable socio-economic development, to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

Leadership Driven by Uplifting Others

In her remarks at the opening of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Bahous noted both the progress in women's rights that have been made in the last 30 years and the persisting resistance to gender equality. Conflicts and crises such as climate change are catalysts for these inequalities: many girls are still refused education, the gender pay gap remains wide and women's rights are removed in conflict zones like Palestine, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar and more. Bahous's words reinforce the key message that words without action are useless and action is more important, now than ever.

Bahous's approach aligns with the Laidlaw value of being #Fast and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of #Drive. Being fast means taking immediate action and seizing opportunities when they arise. Drive means being results-oriented and adding actions to the words.

A Call to Reflect

As we reflect on CSW69, we invite you to reflect on Sima Bahous's powerful leadership insights. Share your thoughts in the comments: What actions can we take today to accelerate progress toward gender equality?

Hannah Watton (She/Her)

Community Ambassador and Team Support Executive, Laidlaw Foundation

Hi! Having previously been a Laidlaw Undergraduate Scholar studying English Literature at UCL, I’ve recently joined the Laidlaw Foundation as a Community Ambassador and Team Support Executive.

My research looked at collaborative and innovative practices in academic publishing, and community building is something I built a passion for during my Leadership in Action. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey at the Laidlaw Foundation in this new role! Feel free to reach out or connect with me!