Since the dawn of history, women have been, and continue to be, a guiding light in the journey of humanity, embodying the secrets of life and the power of creation. However, the path to equality has not been easy; it has been a continuous struggle against the constraints imposed by outdated customs and traditions. Within the framework of contemporary international law and regional agreements, the work of the International Organization for the Defense of Women’s Rights (IOWRD) has been instrumental in affirming women’s rights, writing new chapters in the story of their rights, ensuring their voices are heard, their will is free, and their status is elevated.
Women’s Rights in Contemporary International Law:
International law has witnessed remarkable progress in the field of women’s rights, making these rights an integral part of the global human rights system.
1- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948):
This declaration laid the foundation for gender equality, affirming in its second article that everyone is entitled to equal rights and freedoms without discrimination. Discrimination, including discrimination based on sex.
2. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (1979):
This convention is considered an “international bill of rights for women.” States Parties are obligated to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas.
3. International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions:
Several ILO conventions have addressed issues concerning working women, such as equal pay, protection from discrimination in employment, and maternity leave.
4. Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security:
These resolutions have highlighted the vital role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, and in peacebuilding, and have emphasized the necessity of their full and equal participation in all efforts aimed at achieving international peace and security.
Regional Agreements on Women’s Rights
In addition to international instruments, regional agreements have played an important role in promoting women’s rights and adapting them to the specific cultural and social contexts of each region.
1. African Union:
▪️The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981): This includes provisions that guarantee gender equality and prohibit discrimination.
▪️The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) (2003): This protocol is considered a progressive instrument addressing specific issues facing women in Africa, such as violence against women, early marriage, female genital mutilation, and economic and social rights.
2- Council of Europe:
▪️Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) (2011): This convention is a key international standard for combating violence against women and obliges states to take preventive, legislative, and punitive measures to protect women and girls.
3- Organization of American States:
▪️Inter-American Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Torture (1985): Includes provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sex.
▪️Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Pelém do Barra Convention) (1994): Aims to promote and protect women’s rights in the Americas.
At the heart of this international and regional struggle stands the International Organization for the Defense of Women’s Rights. (IOWRD) as a beacon of hope, a voice of truth, and a powerful force for achieving full equality.
From its humble beginnings, this organization has shouldered the responsibility of raising the voices of the marginalized, exposing injustice, and advocating for their rights.
The International Organization for the Defense of Women’s Rights has woven the threads of progress from patience and perseverance, drawing its strength from its deep belief that the absence of half of society from full participation is a loss for all of humanity.
