Leading international actors have introduced gender equality laws to reduce discrimination and inequality. Still, women across the world face disparity on a daily basis. Therefore, in this article, you will learn five international gender equality laws that most countries have adopted.
The prevalence of gender inequalities and sex discrimination is a result of how actors across public and private spheres act on gender issues. In many societies policies and laws discriminate against women. These discriminations take diverse forms such as freedom in marriage rights, inheritance and property rights, access to nationality, and legal status.
Despite discrimination and inequalities, women and girls face violence on a daily basis. One reason is the lack of a legal and justice system that protects women and prevents violence. Additionally, social and cultural barriers impede women’s access to legal protection.
Hence, appropriate measures should be adopted that prevent different forms of discrimination and violence. To do so different international human rights treaties and laws are available. These treaties and laws require states to take measures and address gender equality issues.
Learn about Types of Gender Equality
1. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is a contract that was presented by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. It entered into force in 1976. The Covenant is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Bill of Human Rights.
The ICESCR provides a legal framework for countries to protect the basic social, cultural, and economic rights of their citizens. It has 31 articles and is divided into five parts.
Part I – is focused on the freedom to choose political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Part II – emphasizes the importance of equal rights without any discrimination.
Part III – mentions the rights that should be considered. Such as providing fair working conditions, social security, an adequate standard of living, education, health, cultural freedom, and participation.
Part IV – gives guidelines to states to monitor the measures taken and report them to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Part V – talks about states open to ratifying the Covenant with any proposed amendments.
ICESCR gives special attention to issues related to Violence Against Women (VAW). It focuses on the causes of VAW and how it impacts women’s freedom to enjoy their rights on an equal basis.
For this reason, most of the rights contained in the ICESCR are related to tackling VAW, given that VAW is a cause and consequence of women’s enjoyment of their human rights on a basis equal to men.
2. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. This document is known as the International Bill of Women Rights.
The Convention has 30 articles that define how women face discrimination. It further gives direction to countries to set up a national agenda and take action to end such discrimination.
CEDAW is focused on;
- Providing equality to women and men in political and public life.
- Affirming the reproductive rights of women.
- Encouraging women to obtain, change, or keep their nationality.
Countries who accepted the Convention are committed to take measures to end discrimination against women. These discriminations can be in any form, including but not limited to;
- Foster equality between women and men in legal systems.
- By eliminating laws that facilitate discriminatory practices.
- Ensure that no person, organization or business supports discriminatory practices.
3. Beijing Platform of Action
The Beijing Platform of Action was presented in 1995 at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. The declaration is a landmark document that was adopted to promote gender equality and women’s rights.
The Declaration stresses that women should have equal access and participation in the decision-making process. The document is focused on 12 key areas to ensure gender equality.
These areas include women’s equal access to education, economy, power, media representation, human rights, training and health. Moreover, eradication of violence against women, violence against girls, poverty, and protection in conflicted areas are also on the list.
The Declaration provides a framework to design programs and policies to foster equality and minimize discrimination.
4. UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security
The United Nations Security Council adopted the Resolution on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR) in 2000. It was the first resolution of its kind that addressed the impact of war on women. It also focused on the importance of full and equal participation of women in peacebuilding, peacekeeping, conflict resolution,/ and post-conflict reconstruction.
The resolution also emphasizes on sexual and physical violence against women in conflicted areas. It calls for special measures to be taken to protect girls and women in such areas.
5. Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality
The Sustainable Development Goal is an agenda that was adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The aim of this agenda was global development by targeting 17 goals that include poverty reduction, environmental protection, providing clean water and decent work, and promoting good health and economic development, etc.
Among these, goal number 5 is focused on Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering all Women and Girls. The goal has different targets, which include to;
- End all forms of discrimination and violence against girls and women in public and private spheres
- Eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation
- Provide equal employment opportunities in leadership and decision-making roles
- Recognize and value domestic work performed by women and develop social protection policies that promote shared responsibilities
- Ensures women’s access to health care, economic resources, education and use of technology
- Introduce policies that promote gender equality and women empowerment at all levels
Why are there Different Gender Equality Laws?
Every document or resolution provides special guidelines focused on particular human rights issues. These policy documents or contracts were introduced in different years and acted as a building block for another.
The very first Covenant ICESCR was introduced to provide equal economic, social, and cultural rights to every man and woman. Whereas CEDAW was the first international treaty that exclusively focused on gender equality and women empowerment. It is also known as the International Bill of Rights for Women.
The Beijing Declaration was produced after CEDAW. The Beijing Declaration was a landmark. It was very comprehensive, and progressive that provided a plan for advancing women’s rights in 12 critical areas. Whereas, the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution on Women, Peace and Security if focused on women who are living in conflicted areas and areas affected by wars.
Lastly, the Sustainable Development Goals share a collective plan for global peace, sustainability, and prosperity. It has 17 goals with 169 targets. Among them, one goal is specifically focused on gender equality. However, all goals are interlinked and can be achieved with interdisciplinary policies and strategies.