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more importantly promote and value women as capable of flourishing in financial investments. The promotion of women’s economic rights is critical for economic growth and this entails promoting a range of women’s rights: their sexual and reproductive rights and rights to education, to mobility, to voice, to ownership, and to live free from violence.
Equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment is a very critical standalone goal. Coupled with this goal are three similarly important target areas.
Freedom from violence against women and girls The scourge of violence against women and girls threatens the basic security of the world. Violence against women and girls not only affects women, their families and communities, but it also undermines the stability and prosperity of whole societies. The World Health Organization reported in 2013 that 35% of women worldwide have experienced some type of violence in their lifetime. This violence can have serious and long-lasting effects on women’s mental, reproductive, and sexual health. This issue is addressed in the UN Millennium Development Goals, and for all intents and purposes, it must be captured in the post-2015 development agenda.
Gender equality in the distribution of capabilities This area involves women’s access to education, healthcare, and opportunities such as land or work with equal pay. I am proud to note that all indicators show that progress is being made in all of these areas, but this progress varies by region and demographic dispersion. For example, there is evidence in some areas to show that women tend to hold less secure jobs than men in developing regions. I get disheartened when reports on education reveal that in Northern Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and western Asia, the gender disparity in education still remains high and yet we are all aware of the invaluable role of education in achieving gender equality.
Education is very important for every child whether boy or girl. It is sad that some communities still discriminate against the education of girls.
Gender equality in decision-making power structures This issue is about women holding positions of influence both in public spheres and government, but also within their own homes and families. The number of women that hold parliamentary seats has increased in almost every world region since 2000, mostly due to the creation of legislative or voluntary quotas that require a certain number of female members. However, women’s decision- making power at home remains significantly lower than men’s in many regions of the world. These types of decisions range from money-related choices, to women’s ability to visit friends and family, to decisions about women’s own health. Family dynamics are greatly influenced by societal and institutional norms, and the hope of many organizations is that by increasing women’s access to education and work opportunities, these norms will begin to change in a direction that is less discriminatory.
The importance of achieving gender equality cannot be over stated. Research studies show that economic stability and growth for developing countries is greatly boosted by improved gender equality. As such, if women and girls can gain access to improved education, they will eventually get better jobs and be able to better contribute to the economy. Including women in political decision making leads to more effective governance, since women’s presence in government brings greater diversity and different experience to the process. This makes the problem all the more pressing and important. Gender equality is not only a significant concern from a human rights standpoint, but it will allow for the economic and political growth that developing nations need to make them competitive in world markets. Dear readers of The Parliamentarian, let us continue to share experiences in the next issue of our Journal.
Women need empowerment both in the political process and within their own homes
The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue One | 9
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