EQUALITY FOR WOMEN- The unfinished business of our Time

Women and girls represent half of the world's population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potentials and sustainable development. Moreover, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth.

Unfortunately , there is still a long way to go to achieve full equality of rights and opportunities between Men and Women. Therefore, it is of utmost important to end the multiple forms of gender violence and secure equal access to quality education and health, economic resources and participation in political life for both women, girls and boys. It is also important to achieve equal opportunities in access to employment and to positions of leadership and decision making at all levels.


                   What are women's human rights?

Women's rights are the fundamental human rights that were enclosed by the United Nations for every human being on the planet nearly 70years ago. These rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage.
                                                                                

As the now famous-saying goes "women's are human rights". That is to say women are entitled to all these rights. Yet almost everywhere around the world, women and girls are still denied them. Often simply because of their gender.

Winning rights for women is about more than giving opportunities to any individual woman or girl, it is about changing how countries and communities work. It involves changing laws and polices, aiming hearts and minds, ad investing in strong women's organizations and movements.

Gender equality is the goal, while gender neutrality and gender equity are practices and ways of thinking that help in achieving the goal. Gender equality is more than equal representation, it is strongly tied to women's rights, and often requires policy changes.

UNICEF says gender equality means women and men, girls and boys enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections. On a global scale, achieving gender equality also requires eliminating halmful practices against women and girls, including sex trafficking, femicide, wartime sexual violence, and other oppression tactics.

Longterm sustainable development will only be possible when women and men enjoy equal opportunity. Women's equality and empowerment is one of the 17 sustainable Development Goals.

  

Guaranteeing the rights of women and giving them opportunities to reach their full potential is critical not only for attaining gender equality, but also for meeting a wide range of international development goals. Empowered women and girls contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities, and countries creating ripple effect that benefits everyone.

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