Ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March and the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69) — the main global body promoting women's rights — EESC member Maria Nikolopoulou, rapporteur for the opinion entitled EESC contribution to the EU’s priorities at the UNCSW69, writes about the EU's progress in gender equality. While many improvements deserve recognition, women are still far from having the same rights as men. Many gaps remain to be closed, and many more battles must be won.