GENEVA — It will take around 130 years to reach gender parity in key areas such as politics and the boardroom, but 13 extraordinary women, who have been profiled in a UN exhibition are showing how opportunities can be created for all women and girls.

A new generation of women are taking power into their own hands, undaunted by grim statistics showing the glacially slow progress towards gender equality.

These trailblazers include sixteen-year-old Anna Lavreniuk from Ukraine, who is raising awareness about gender equality as head of her school council, undeterred by common stereotypes that boys make better leaders.

And Munnira Katongole, a South African activist fighting for social change and climate justice, and for a fair transition to a clean economy, informed by the voices and needs of all people.

Launched ahead of International Women’s Day, marked annually on March 8 meet more of the inspiring women featured in the exhibition, “I Lead by Example. I am Generation Equality”. — UN News