The United Nations has been actively working towards the advancement of women since its inception. The creation of the Commission on the Status of Women in 1946 marked a significant step in addressing women’s issues. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirming the inadmissibility of discrimination, laid the foundation for equal rights for men and women.

Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (1967):

• The UN General Assembly adopted this declaration on November 7, 1967, emphasizing the principles of non-discrimination. Subsequently, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted, often regarded as an International Bill of Rights for Women.

International Women’s Decade Conferences (1976-1985):

• Three conferences during the International Women’s Decade held in Mexico City (1975), Copenhagen (1980), and Nairobi (1985) significantly increased global awareness of women’s concerns. The Beijing Conference in 1995 emphasized that “Women’s rights are human rights,” addressing violence against women as a human rights issue.

UN General Assembly Special Session (2000):

• A Special Session on “Women: Gender Equality, Development, and Peace for the 21st Century” assessed progress on women’s issues. This session aimed to promote gender equality and eliminate pervasive gender discrimination.

Beijing Platform for Action (2005):

• The Commission on the Status of Women, in its 49th Session, reviewed progress on the Beijing Platform for Action, focusing on areas such as poverty, environment, economy, education, human rights, power, decision-making, and the girl child.

UN General Assembly Special Session (2005):

• The twenty-third Special Session reiterated the World Summit Outcome’s commitment to promoting gender equality and eliminating gender discrimination.

UN Commission on the Status of Women (2011):

• In March 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women, meeting in the Economic and Social Council Chamber, discussed the current scenario of gender violence globally.Top of Form