Combating the Global Backlash against Women: Key Strategies for Full Participation in Public Life

Panel discussion presented by All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), NGO Committee on Human Rights, and South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS).

In early 2025, UN Women stated that 24% of countries have reported a significant backlash against gender equality that has undermined efforts to ensure equality, rights, and protection for all women and girls. This trend has adversely impacted women’s full participation in the public domain. Women’s leadership in political decision-making processes improves outcomes for whole communities. Unfortunately, worldwide, women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making, and gender parity in political life appears to be a distant dream. This panel will examine the ways in which the global backlash against women’s rights has contributed to silencing women’s voices in public life and recommend solutions at the local, national, and policy level.

Thursday, March 12th, 2026
8:30 AM – Eastern Daylight Time
New York

Register below:

PROGRAM

Welcome and Introduction – Sudha Acharya – Executive Director, SACSS, Principal Representative to the UN, AIWC
Moderator – Navina Sitaram – Representative to the UN, AIWC

PANELISTS

Dr. Roberta Nassar – Chair, NGO Committee on Human Rights, NY & Representative to the UN, IFS
Kuljit Kaur – President, All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)
Prof. (Dr.) Jameela Begum – Prof. of English, Director, Cultural & Literary Forum, AIWC Trivandrum
Liya Thachil – Executive Director, New York State APA Task Force

Wrap Up & Closing Remarks

Usha Nair – All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)