Women's leadership under threat by COVID-19 pandemic: Data Published : 08 Mar 2021, 23:33 DF News Desk Contestants attend a race to mark the International Women's Day held in Zhodzina, Belarus, March 8, 2021. Photo: Xinhua. The latest data published Monday by UN Women, a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women, shows that women's rights and leadership are under threat, even more due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reported Xinhua. Current projections show that gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. This year's International Women's Day rings the alarm on rising threats to gender equality and highlights the need to build back better for a more gender-equal future, according to a press release.