We are with Dr Sima Bahous

Dr Sima Bahous (left) at Karama’s event on the key theme of CSW61

We are deeply disturbed by the ongoing attacks on the only woman from the Arab region to lead a UN agency.

Dr Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, is increasingly a target for bitter and overtly racist attacks, both online and offline.  We condemn the attacks on her and the organisation she leads.

Much of this aggression echos the disgraceful, racist and dehumanising remarks with which Israeli government and military officials have characterised the people of Gaza.

The creation of UN Women was a cause behind which women’s civil society united at a global level. We had long demanded a UN agency focused on the women’s agenda, that would be above petty politics. That cause is being put at risk by public activism and governments behind closed doors who want to turn UN Women into a political football.

Dr Bahous’s comments to the UN Security Council have been balanced and clear in their condemnation of gender-based and sexual violence. The ferocious and personal attacks on her are profoundly unfair.

It is particularly reprehensible that this campaign against Dr Bahous is taking place during the 16 Days of Activism, where many women’s groups are highlighting the shocking abuse to which women in public service are frequently subjected.

We recognise the important work that Dr Sima Bahous has done throughout her career, which demonstrates her deep personal commitment to women’s rights and equality - in Jordan, in the Arab region, and globally. Dr Sima Bahous is a leader of rare conviction, grace, strength and resilience, devoted to the women’s agenda and shaping a future where gender equality thrives. She is an inspiration.

Where we work, it was a matter of great pride for many activists that a woman from our region was appointed on merit to lead the UN agency responsible for championing gender equality. The opprobrium she is receiving is not only unmerited but betrays levels of barely concealed racism.

We express our solidarity with Dr Sima Bahous and her colleagues at UN Women.