Introduction
Gender equality is a term used to refer to equal rights and opportunities for men and women, and for girls and boys without discrimination or prejudice. Gender equality calls for equal treatment for all human beings, regardless of gender. There exist instances where women are discriminated especially due to poverty or low economic status. In such cases, they lack power or money to make decisions or empowerment; therefore, they end up experiencing harmful social norms. These are issues that are regarded as critical and which exist as an obstacle to fulfilling women's rights. Women are human beings who require equal treatment as men. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the measures and current campaigns that concern women's liberties to allow them to enjoy equal rights as men.
The Rationale of Considering Gender Equality as a Human Right
Over the past two decades, there has been a significant shift in women's advancement and empowerment. The improvement and autonomy of women have been witnessed in areas such as social, political, health, and economic status. It is a shift of approach that can be viewed to reflect a human rights approach, intended to address women's issues. For instance, Goal 5 of the UN Sustainable Development Agendas is to achieve gender equality globally. The goals aim to ensure that women are empowered in all realm participated by men. Moreover, according to the Higher Commissioner for Human Rights, solutions to issues that affect the world can only be found after all human beings are treated equally despite gender. Addressing gender equality can, therefore, be termed as a critical and initial step towards addressing global issues.
The framework of international human rights currently provides forums that investigate individual claims involving the violation of human rights. These frameworks provide human beings, especially women, with a platform to report cases involving discrimination, physical and sexual abuse among others. For instance, courts such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), African Court on Human and People's Rights, and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerns with cases that concern violation of human rights (Grossman, 2016). To ensure there is gender equality, these courts have a fair representation of women in the judging panel. Also, among the cases that are prosecuted and determined are mass violations of human rights such as extrajudicial killings, violation of women's rights such as rape and sexual abuse. Moreover, many regional and domestic tribunals are utilizing the gender equality approach to decide cases for individuals, including women, who have faced denial of their human rights.
Human rights occur as a broad term that provides a guideline on the fundamental entitlements of human beings in general. They provide human beings with a foundation that outlines dignity, and conditions of social justice. The inclusion of gender equality in the human rights platform, therefore, provides a set of demands on the intrinsic worth of all human beings. Besides, recognition of gender equality as a human right is an indication that the health and life of every human irrespective of gender are respected. Moreover, it allows equality in the provision of quality childcare and the development of policies.
Implications of Gender Equality as a Human Right
The inclusion and consideration of gender equality as a human right have led various state organs and international bodies to formulate approaches that protect human rights. For instance, the US Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is designed to ensure the provision of equal legal rights for American citizens regardless of gender. Also, the UN Charter (Article 8 and 101) provides core guiding principles that should be followed to safeguard equality between men and women in every realm of human endeavor (UN Women, 2020). Generally, the conceptualization of a claim to a status of human rights also calls for state and international responsibilities to safeguard it. A right is a claim in a level of legal entitlement, that is immutable and fundamental. Therefore, it becomes a responsibility of every state to ensure its fulfillment. Every state is required to involve administrative and legislative policies to control actions that may violate or fail or support the obligations outlines in that human right. Moreover, the involvement of the government allows the rights-holders to enjoy the right without conflicts based on discrimination and exclusion.
A new directive concerning gender equality is being offered in critical areas such as political participation and public service offices. Many nations are now calling for the implementation of a two-third gender rule, which requires the representation of one gender not to exceed two-thirds of the total number. It is a standard of nationality in many countries. Moreover, there is intense advocacy of equal rights in education, health, and training. For example, UNICEF has been supporting various programs in South Asia countries to promote equality between boys and girls. The Accelerated Learning Programs is an example of such a program assisting children in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Conclusion
Gender equality is a human right and therefore requires support and protection. There exist instances where women are discriminated especially due to poverty or low economic status. In such cases, they lack power or money to make decisions or empowerment; therefore, they end up experiencing harmful social norms. States and international organizations should take appropriate measures to safeguard women, since they are the commonly abused gender, from discrimination and abuse. It is the right of every human being to have equal involvement in development processes irrespective of gender.
