By MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia, Lusaka,
DELEGATES at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference ( WDC) have issued a stark warning at the close of the global gathering, saying progress on gender equality is under increasing threat and requires immediate, coordinated action.
In a closing statement released Thursday, participants highlighted growing backlash against women’s rights worldwide, particularly in areas of sexual and reproductive health, political participation, and protection from gender-based violence.
The conference brought together more than 6,500 advocates, policymakers, and youth leaders from around the world, positioning itself as a key platform to assess progress and push for accountability.
Organisers said the meeting marked a shift toward more inclusive leadership, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous voices, grassroots movements, and youth-led advocacy, particularly from the Pacific region.
“The solutions are already within communities,” the statement emphasized, calling on governments and institutions to move beyond commitments and implement concrete policies that protect and advance the rights of women and girls.
Delegates also stressed the need to address systemic inequalities that continue to marginalise vulnerable groups, warning that failure to act could reverse hard-won gains.
The tone of the conference remained urgent and defiant, with participants framing the current moment as critical for the future of gender equality.
As the event concluded, stakeholders called for sustained global momentum, signaling that advocacy efforts will intensify in the months ahead.
