Woman Rights are Human Rights!

Kaajal Gunputh Kaajal Gunputh Aug 12, 2018 1289 0

Woman Rights are Human Rights!

WOMEN RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!

During the United Nations 4th World Conference on women held at Beijing on 5th September 1995, Hillary Clinton said “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.
If women’s rights are human rights, then today in 2018, why is it that so many women around the world are still unable to access these rights? Girls and women are often denied of their rights because of their gender. But should my gender be taken into consideration when talking about my rights; should I be penalized because of my gender?

From 2017 to now, there have been epic movements and measures against inequality. This reminds us how the huge amount of work which is pending and at the same time proves that the power and will to fight is rising.

The #MeToo movement proved that sexual harassment is present everywhere including workplaces. This was a clear proof that the laws around sexual harassment should be strengthened to protect the women our society.

Women’s right to equal pay was brought forward by the BBC pay scandal. It clearly unveiled that laws should be changed so that women can exercise their right to equal pay and that organizations should fight against any kind of discrimination at the work place.

 In January 2017, there was a women’s march in Washington, United States, to advocate legislations and policies regarding human rights and other issues including women’s rights, healthcare reform, reproductive rights, racial quality, and freedom of religion and workers rights. It turned out to be the largest coordinated protest in the U.S. It had a considerable impact taking women’s rights from a small group to a global arena.

These are above the few events which were publicly announced, glorified and celebrated.  Meanwhile there are several achievements made by women all over the world in the past year which have not been in the limelight. This demonstrates the bravery and courage of women within several communities; and is a strong sign that the fight for equality still prevails.

The strongest earthquake of the century happened in September 2017, Mexico followed by a second quake hit just weeks later causing much devastation and loss. During this bad phase, an organization called semilas, existing for over 24 years addressed to the needs of women and girls affected and they also developed a reconstruction and rebuilding campaign for the country!

In August 2017, after years of persistence and determination, the Parliament of Lebanon abolished a law that was allowing men accused of rape to be acquitted and escape punishment if they marry the person the raped. These happened weeks after Jordan’s Parliament voted to revoke the same law. Moreover, in July Tunisia did the same. These abolishment are massive wins toward gender equality, however there are many such laws still existing which need to be amended.

Until August 2017, Chile had one of the most restrictive abortion policies in the world, criminating the practice without exception. However in August, the National congressed approved an abortion bill under three conditions in favor of the woman.

While the list of examples goes on, we hope these victories encourage people to take a stand. In the 21st century, inequality and discrimination is not acceptable, and we women are no longer willing to accept them!

The Universal Declaration of Human rights includes women. It’s up-to a woman to decide whether or not she wants to reproduce. Even today, female genital mutilation is still a major issue in many parts of the world. We believe everyone has the right to live free from discrimination irrespective of their sexual orientation, economic background or religious belief.

True equality will exist only when girls and women have full access to their rights; right from equal pay, sexual rights, access to education, maternal health rights and freedom from violence! For this to become a reality, we women should stand up for ourselves. Gone are the days where we should keep quiet and hide inside the house. It’s time for us to voice out and stand for our rights so that our daughter and fu124ture coming generations can live openly without any restrictions!
 


‘Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely – and the right to be heard.’- Hillary Clinton