As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding Congress of the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we stand proudly on the tremendous strides women have made in sectors traditionally dominated by men. BWI has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and promoting women’s inclusion in sectors where their presence has been historically limited. On this International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, we come together to share the successful stories of women who have not only forged careers in BWI sectors but have also led with resilience in trade union activism, continuing the fight for women’s rights and freedoms.

However, as we commemorate these achievements, we must confront a serious challenge that threatens the progress we have worked so hard to achieve. In today’s global political landscape, we are witnessing the rise of leaders with authoritarian tendencies, who seize power by fuelling division, spreading hate, and scapegoating vulnerable populations. These non-democratic forces pose a direct threat to the advances in gender equality. Under the guise of "preserving tradition," they aim to roll back women’s rights, restrict reproductive freedoms, and undermine essential protections against gender-based violence.

Around the world, we are seeing the devastating consequences of these harmful policies. In Iran, women continue to suffer under discriminatory laws, including mandatory dress codes and restrictions on personal freedoms that deny them autonomy over their bodies and lives. In the United States, the policies of the Trump administration are setbacks for women, particularly in reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and protections against violence. Argentina is part of this rising tide; President Javier Milei has been vocal in his criticism of what he calls "gender ideology," expressing skepticism about policies aimed at challenging traditional gender roles. In Hungary, the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has opposed the European Union’s gender equality agenda, arguing that gender roles should be defined by traditional family values, In parts of Nigeria, especially the northern regions, strong cultural and religious objections to gender equality policies – such as on women's education and autonomy – remain entrenched.

This list is not exhaustive. The global attack on gender equality rights is vast and growing. Governments that oppose or roll back gender equality often justify their actions by invoking "traditional values". These governments frame their restrictive policies as an effort to protect cultural heritage or religious beliefs, but in reality, they perpetuate outdated and patriarchal systems that hinder social progress. The rhetoric of tradition is used as a smokescreen to maintain power structures that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

We must not be passive in the face of these threats. As we confront this alarming rise of anti-gender equality movements, we must stand firm in our commitment to gender equality, human rights, and social justice. The fight is not just about women’s rights; it is about the rights of all marginalized groups. We must reject the condemning of the vulnerable and push back against the divisive and hateful politics that seek to unravel the progress we’ve made.

Our fight is one for an inclusive society where everyone regardless of gender, race, immigration status, or identity — has the right to live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity. Today, let us renew our resolve to fight for a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality for all.