UN Women Conference Faces Criticism Over Ideological Focus

By Bill Donohue
Monday, 22 September 2025 03:36 PM EDT

On Sept. 22, 2025, the United Nations is set to host a high-level meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. Critics argue the event will perpetuate ideological agendas rather than address genuine issues facing women globally.

In 1995, the Catholic League was denied NGO status by the UN Representative on Accreditation, despite its recognition in the “Official Catholic Directory.” Meanwhile, Catholics for Choice, an organization opposing Catholic teachings, received accreditation. During the original conference, the Holy See delegation, led by Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon, opposed efforts to redefine family structures, countering proposals that elevated non-traditional relationships to the status of family units.

The current anniversary meeting will be chaired by Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women and under-secretary-general of the United Nations. Critics highlight her role in a country where women face systemic inequality, including discriminatory marriage laws. The UN’s focus on abortion, contraception, and LGBTQ+ rights has drawn scrutiny for prioritizing Western secular interests over pressing global challenges like poverty and violence against women.

Bahous faced criticism for delayed condemnation of atrocities against Israeli women following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Advocates argue her priorities diverge from the needs of Jordanian women, who endure unequal treatment in legal and social systems. The conference’s emphasis on ideological debates, rather than tangible solutions, has been labeled a failure to address real hardships faced by women worldwide.

Dr. Bill Donohue is president and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. A former Heritage Foundation Bradley resident scholar, he has authored 11 books on civil liberties, social issues, and religion. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from New York University. His new book, “Cultural Meltdown: The Secular Roots of Our Moral Crisis,” was released in June 2024.