Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent legislative amendment in Shanxi Province that prohibits the derogation and insult of unmarried women of advanced age, highlighting the need for gender equality and the protection of women's rights in the face of societal discrimination [4][5][6]. Summary by Sections Legislative Context - The amendment is part of a broader effort to address gender discrimination and protect women's rights, particularly in light of traditional biases against women [5][6]. - The law aims to counteract negative stereotypes such as "leftover women" and ensure equal inheritance rights for women [4][5]. Gender Discrimination Debate - Critics argue that the law's focus on protecting only unmarried women may constitute gender discrimination against men [5][6]. - The article emphasizes that the law is a response to systemic and structural gender discrimination faced by women, which differs from the challenges men encounter [5][6]. Societal Implications - The article points out that unmarried women in the age group of 35 to 49 face workplace discrimination and societal pressure, which justifies the need for special legal protections [6][10]. - It also notes that while men may face their own challenges, the law's intent is to safeguard women's dignity and combat entrenched stereotypes [6][10]. Limitations of Legislative Measures - The article critiques the effectiveness of declarative laws, suggesting that they may lack practical enforcement mechanisms and fail to address the root causes of gender inequality [9][11]. - It raises concerns about the portrayal of women as victims, arguing for a shift towards empowering women as active agents in their own lives [12][13]. Call for Action - The article advocates for women to reclaim their narratives and define their own paths, rather than relying solely on legislative measures for protection [12][13]. - It emphasizes the importance of women taking responsibility for their choices and challenging societal norms that dictate their roles [12][13].

Core Points - The United Nations Women's Agency released a report indicating that significant reductions in aid have severely impacted women's rights organizations globally, with about one-quarter of countries experiencing a "backslide" in gender equality efforts [1] - The report is based on a survey of 428 women's rights and civil society organizations worldwide, revealing that approximately 34% have suspended or terminated projects aimed at combating gender-based violence [1] - Over 40% of organizations have reduced or closed essential services such as shelters, legal aid, psychological counseling, and medical assistance [1] - 78% of surveyed organizations reported a decrease in channels for basic support for survivors of violence, and 59% noted an increase in the phenomenon of "impunity" [1] - Only 5% of organizations expect to maintain operations for more than two years, while 85% believe that legal protections for women and girls will face serious setbacks [1] - The report highlights that violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations globally, with approximately 736 million women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime [1] Contextual Background - This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, which established a global roadmap for promoting gender equality and empowering women, emphasizing the elimination of gender discrimination and inequality in 12 key areas [2] - The platform reiterates the principle that "women's rights are human rights" and includes the elimination of violence against women as a core commitment of the international community [2] Call to Action - The United Nations Women's Agency urges the international community to take decisive action at this critical moment to safeguard the achievements made in the field of gender equality over the past decades [3]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Global Women's Summit in Beijing is expected to focus on the importance of maintaining and strengthening women's rights, recognizing the evolving role of women in society, and promoting gender cooperation for empowerment [1][2]. Group 1: Women's Rights and Empowerment - The summit will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which laid the foundation for strengthening and protecting women's rights globally, particularly in legislation [1]. - Serbia has made significant progress in women's empowerment over the past 30 years, with women holding approximately 40% of parliamentary seats and 30% of government positions [1]. - Key positions in Serbia, such as the Speaker of the National Assembly and heads of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, are currently held by women [1]. Group 2: Legislative Progress and Global Governance - Serbia has enacted several laws to protect women's rights, including the Prevention of Domestic Violence Law and recent legislation providing economic support for single-parent families led by women [2]. - The current global women's agenda should address the challenges faced in protecting women's rights and adapt to the changing roles of women in society while respecting cultural traditions [2]. - Serbia acknowledges the necessity of improving global governance and believes that China's recent global governance initiative will help promote women's roles in sustainable economic and social development [2].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Global Women's Summit in Beijing is expected to promote the empowerment of women and reinforce the rights they have fought for over the years [1][2] Group 1: Women's Rights and Empowerment - The Serbian Minister for Gender Equality, Tatjana Macura, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the evolving role of women in society and the need for collaboration between genders to further empower women in the new era [1] - Serbia has made significant progress in women's empowerment over the past 30 years, with women holding approximately 40% of parliamentary seats and 30% of government positions [1] - Key positions such as the Speaker of the National Assembly, the President of the Supreme Court, and the President of the Constitutional Court are currently held by women in Serbia [1] Group 2: Legislative Progress - Serbia has enacted several laws to protect women's rights, including the Prevention of Domestic Violence Law and recent legislation providing economic support for single-parent families led by women [2] - The current global women's agenda should focus on the challenges faced in protecting women's rights and the future direction of these efforts, adapting to changes in social dynamics and family life [2] Group 3: Global Governance and Gender Equality - Serbia acknowledges the necessity of improving global governance and believes that China's recent global governance initiative will help promote women's roles in sustainable economic and social development [2] - The initiative aims to integrate gender equality into global processes, reflecting a commitment to advancing women's rights on an international scale [2]