Gender Equality is, first and foremost, a Universal Human Right.

Human Rights are Women's Rights; Women's Rights are Human Rights

Happy International Women’s Day

The freedom from discrimination [1] is well recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 2: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status…” [2]

As for the gender inequality [3] and discrimination against women, one must not disregard the broad role of historical experience of human beings based on division of labors [4]. However, most inequalities between men and women are based on familial exploitation. [5]

The acceptance and practice of sexual inequality and subordination of women are mainly rooted in gender-oriented minds of individuals. This discriminatory attitude toward women is profoundly influenced by the sexist social, traditional, and religious norms and dogma, most of which seem to be deep-rooted and unquestionable.

Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms “All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.” [6] All human beings irrespective of their sex/gender and without any type of discrimination should be able to enjoy their rights and freedoms. All genders shall be free to enjoy equal opportunities in society. [7]

In this perspective, States as well as individuals have obligations to promote and secure these principles for all. It also needs to be noted that a family unit is the primary domain where one can be empowered to respect, practice gender equality, and eliminate thoughts of sexually-discriminatory/violent (please note 1) patterns and norms. Family is where gender inequality/equality can be internalized and promoted.

To recap, raising awareness about equality for both men and women is the first step toward realization of gender equality. Women, shoulder to shoulder with men, should be empowered to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms as well. The lifelong process of empowerment to respect gender equality shall start from the very primary patterns within families where the most long-lasting values are formed; the values that shall be cherished for realizing, securing, and promoting gender equalities rather than traditions and customs.

Note:

1) It should be kept in mind that sexual violence is not only about sexual affairs but it covers a wide range of violence against women, such as emotional, economic, physical, etc.

References:

1) Discrimination http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination

2) Gender Inequality http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_inequality

3) UDHR Article 2 http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml#a2

4) Division of Labor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Division_of_labour

5) Exploitation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploitation

6) UDHR Article 7 http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml#a7

7) Equal Opportunity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_opportunity

Your viewpoint is important to us. Please share your view and thoughts on the “Gender Equality” and related themes.

Artwork Credit:

Graphic Designer/Artist: Anna Felisha Ott

Image Production By: 12Petals Media Group, Gender Equality. 2013

About 12Petals:

12Petals Media Group strives to be a union of visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, cinematographers, playwrights, social entrepreneurs and more, all coming together to produce inspired multimedia pieces that promote and encourage respect for those rights protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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برگردان پارسی‌ این نوشته:

Persian translation of this outreach project can be seen here:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/12-petals-media-group/گرامی-داشتن-برابری-جنسیتی/10152627591250177

Please kindly consider sharing this outreach work among family members, friends, and beyond. Thank you in advance.