HUMAN RIGHTS: WOMEN’S RIGHTS: ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES, AND THE ROAD AHEAD – Kashish Gill

Gutterman, Alan, What are Human Rights? (January 9, 2023).

Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4320947 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4320947

Introduction:

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or any other status. These rights are inherent to all human beings and are protected by international laws and conventions. However, throughout history, women have faced numerous challenges in their fight for equality and the recognition of their basic human rights. In this blog, we will explore the journey of women’s rights, from the achievements made to the challenges still faced today, and the road ahead for achieving true gender equality.

Achievements in Women’s Rights:

The struggle for women’s rights has a long and tumultuous history. From fighting for the right to vote to equal pay and reproductive rights, women have been at the forefront of advocating for their basic human rights. One of the earliest achievements in women’s rights was the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. This document recognizes that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, without distinction of any kind.

In 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly. This convention provides a comprehensive framework for promoting and protecting women’s rights in areas such as education, employment, health care, and political participation. To date, 189 countries have ratified CEDAW, making it one of the most widely accepted human rights treaties in history.

Another significant achievement in women’s rights was the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. This document outlined a global agenda for promoting gender equality and empowering women, with a specific focus on eliminating violence against women and promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Furthermore, many countries have made strides in enacting laws that promote and protect women’s rights. For example, in 2015, Saudi Arabia granted women the right to vote and run for office, a significant milestone in a country where women’s rights have historically been limited. In India, the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act introduced stricter penalties for sexual offenses and established special courts for the speedy trial of rape cases. These are just a few examples of the achievements made in the fight for women’s rights globally.

Challenges Faced by Women:

Despite these achievements, women continue to face numerous challenges in their fight for equality and the recognition of their human rights. One of the biggest challenges is gender-based violence, which affects millions of women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This type of violence not only violates a woman’s basic human rights but also has a severe impact on her physical and mental health.

Another major challenge is the gender pay gap, where women are paid less than men for the same work. This gap exists despite legislation in many countries that prohibit pay discrimination based on gender. For instance, in the United States, women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and this gap is even wider for women of color.

In addition to these challenges, there are also various cultural and social norms that limit women’s rights and reinforce gender inequality. These norms can include restrictions on women’s education and employment opportunities, early and forced marriages, and unequal access to healthcare and property.

Case Laws:

The judicial system plays a crucial role in upholding and protecting human rights. Over the years, there have been many landmark cases that have helped shape and advance women’s rights.

One such case is Roe v. Wade (1973), where the US Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, including the right to terminate a pregnancy. This case was a significant victory for women’s reproductive rights and sparked a global conversation about the issue.

In India, the landmark Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) case led to the creation of guidelines for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. This case set an important precedent for holding employers accountable for ensuring a safe and harassment-free work environment for women.

In the Philippines, the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a domestic worker sentenced to death for drug trafficking, sparked international attention and advocacy efforts. Her case shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, especially women, and highlighted the need for stronger protections for their rights.

The Road Ahead:

While significant progress has been made in promoting and protecting women’s rights, there is still a long road ahead to achieve true gender equality. To continue advancing women’s rights, it is essential to address the root causes of gender inequality, including discriminatory laws, cultural norms, and social attitudes.

Governments must also prioritize and invest in programs that promote gender equality and empower women. This can include initiatives such as providing equal access to education and healthcare, implementing policies that promote women’s economic empowerment, and enforcing laws that protect women from violence and discrimination.

Furthermore, it is crucial to involve men in the fight for women’s rights. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a human rights issue that affects everyone. Men must be allies in this fight and work towards dismantling harmful gender stereotypes and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the journey of women’s rights has been one of both achievements and challenges. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality. It is essential to continue advocating for the protection and promotion of women’s human rights and to address the underlying causes of gender inequality. Only then can we create a world where every woman can exercise her rights freely and without fear of discrimination or violence. As stated by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.” Let us all work together towards a future where women’s rights are truly recognized and respected.

In closing, while there have been significant achievements in promoting and protecting women’s rights, there is still a long road ahead towards achieving gender equality. The key to progress lies in the commitment of individuals, communities, and governments to uphold and protect women’s human rights. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai once said, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” It is time for all of us to join hands and work towards a world where women’s rights are fully realized.