GLOBAL — Laws promising equality for women and girls exist in many countries around the world, yet millions still struggle to access justice when their rights are violated.

That stark reality is highlighted in a United Nations report titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls,” released ahead of International Women’s Day and the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which begins March 9 in New York.

The report points to what experts call an “implementation gap” — the disconnect between laws that guarantee equality and the real-world ability of women and girls to enforce those rights.

While legal frameworks promoting gender equality have expanded globally, the report warns that many women continue to face significant barriers when seeking justice.

Among the most common obstacles are high legal costs, long distances to courts and services, language barriers, and low levels of legal literacy. Many women also face what researchers describe as “time poverty,” balancing work and caregiving responsibilities that make pursuing legal action difficult.

Bias and stigma within justice systems themselves can also discourage women from reporting abuse or seeking legal remedies.

The report notes that girls often face distinct and overlooked barriers. In many cases, justice systems lack child-centred procedures, making it difficult for girls to safely report harm or access legal protection. Issues such as child marriage and early pregnancy can further complicate their ability to assert their rights, particularly when they remain legally dependent on family members who may also be the source of harm.

Older women also face unique challenges, often shaped by lifelong patterns of discrimination and economic disadvantage. Gendered ageism can undermine their credibility, with complaints involving violence, neglect, health rights, pensions or property disputes sometimes dismissed or ignored.

The United Nations report also highlights structural weaknesses within justice systems, including limited budgets, shortages of trained personnel and poor coordination between institutions responsible for delivering justice services.

Another factor contributing to the enforcement gap is the continued male dominance within justice sector leadership, which researchers say can discourage women from engaging with institutions meant to protect them.

The findings come as the United Nations marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” a call for governments to move beyond commitments on paper and ensure that laws protecting women are fully enforced.

Global leaders say closing the gap between legislation and real-world outcomes remains one of the most urgent challenges in achieving gender equality and ensuring that women and girls everywhere can live safe, healthy and purposeful lives.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) — a coalition of Central Exuma business owners, tour operators and residents — has warned that the issue of dredging in the North Bay of Sampson Cay, Exuma, is not just about the number of acres being dredged – but what exists within the proposed dredge area. SEA describes the site as an ecological treasure trove filled with seagrass, coral, turtles and abundant marine life.

This comes after foreign developer Yntegra agreed to reduce the scope of its dredging following government warnings that it would impact The Bahamas carbon credit status, which shows the importance of the marine habitat.

“It is easy to point to other developments and say they are dredging more, but that is not comparing like with like,” SEA said in response to comparisons made by Yntegra. “If one area is largely sand with little marine life, that is very different from what we have in North Bay. Anyone who has spent time there can tell you it is filled with turtles, fish, and — critically — the seagrass and coral that provide essential habitat.”

Miami-based investment group Yntegra is seeking to construct a large-scale Rosewood-branded resort on Sampson Cay. Since its announcement, the project has generated environmental, social and economic concerns among residents and business operators in Central Exuma.

The proposed development includes dredging in North Bay, construction of a substantial seawall that would alter natural water flow, more than 100 structures, two mega yacht marinas, and an industrial dock serviced by fuel and supply ships in an area currently used by swimmers. Opponents argue that the scale and design of Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project are incompatible with the fragile ecosystem and cultural character of the Central Exumas.

SEA noted that the government’s Climate Change Unit has also raised concerns about the environmental cost of dredging associated with Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project.

“The government has acknowledged that this is an area of significant importance,” SEA said. “While the financial implications are serious, for us here in Exuma this is about more than money. It underscores how valuable this marine ecosystem is — the seagrass, coral and marine life that make Exuma exceptional. This is what attracts visitors from around the world. We should not minimize the concern by comparing this bay to areas that do not have the same remarkable underwater ecosystem. It is simply not the same.”

Experienced boat captain Tito Baldwin also questioned the feasibility of the marine infrastructure proposed as part of this plan. He warned that the dredging currently outlined would not be sufficient to accommodate the vessels required to service the project.

“It’s going to have to be at least four times larger than what has been proposed,” Baldwin said. “As designed, it is beyond possibility.”

He explained that vessels supplying fuel, construction materials and provisions for a projected 300-person workforce would require significantly greater depth and maneuvering space.

“For supply vessels delivering hundreds of thousands of gallons of diesel, you’re looking at ships with a 10-foot draft,” Baldwin said. “To operate safely, you would need at least 13 feet of depth. That means dredging far deeper than what has been proposed. With currents running east and west in that area, you would also need a much wider turning basin to maneuver safely. As it stands, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.”

SEA is urging individuals concerned about the environmental impact of dredging connected to Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project to visit www.saveexumaalliance.org for more information. A petition calling for a halt to approvals is also available on the site, with more than 7,100 signatures collected to date.