MINISTERE DE L’EDUCATION NATIONALE REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D’IVOIRE
ET DE L’ALPHABETISATION Union-Discipline-Travail
(MENA)
Année Scolaire : 2024-2025
Collège DJESSOU Abobo PK18
Class : 4e
ENGLISH
EXPOSED
TOPIC
WOMEN RIGHTS AND
DUTIES IN THE SOCIETY
STUDENTS SCHOOLTEACHER
KOUASSI AHOU GRACE ORNELLA Mr. KEITA
OMONON OSSIANE HADINE
DOUMBIA MADENGBAI
HAÏDARA ALI
KOUAILOU TINAN GRACE
KONE MOHAMED
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................2
I- DEFINITION................................................................................................................................2
A- Women's rights.........................................................................................................................2
B- Women's duties.........................................................................................................................2
II- THE HISTORY OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS.............................................................................2
1- Ancient Times:..............................................................................................................................2
2- The Fight for Suffrage:................................................................................................................3
3- Modern Achievements..................................................................................................................4
III- RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN MODERN SOCIETY..................................................................6
1. Equal Pay and Job Opportunities:..............................................................................................6
2. Education:.....................................................................................................................................6
3. Reproductive Rights:....................................................................................................................7
4. Freedom from Violence:..............................................................................................................8
IV- DUTIES OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY.....................................................................................9
1. Family and Community:..............................................................................................................9
2. Professional Contributions:.........................................................................................................9
3. Advocacy for Equality:................................................................................................................9
4. Challenges Women Face..............................................................................................................9
5. How Society Can Support Women............................................................................................10
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................11
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INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping societies, yet their rights
and duties have often been undervalued or overlooked. In modern times, the global push for
gender equality has sparked important conversations about the rights women deserve and the
responsibilities they uphold. This presentation explores the journey of women’s rights, the
challenges they face today, and the balance between their rights and duties in society.
I- DEFINITION
A- Women's rights
These include the right to live free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy the highest
attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; to vote;
and to earn an equal wage.
B- Women's duties
'Women's Role' refers to the societal expectations and responsibilities assigned to women,
such as supporting men in positions of authority, caring for the family, and embodying
altruism and self-sacrifice within a hierarchical structure defined by traditional gender norms.
II- THE HISTORY OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS
1- Ancient Times:
In many ancient civilizations, women were confined to domestic roles, with little to no
political or social influence. For example, in Ancient Greece, women had no voting rights and
were largely excluded from public life. Although most women lacked political and equal
rights in the city states of ancient Greece, they enjoyed a certain freedom of movement until
the archaic age. Records also exist of women in ancient Delphi, Gortyn, Thessaly, Megara,
and Sparta owning land, the most prestigious form of private property at the time. However,
after the archaic age, legislators began to enact laws enforcing gender segregation, resulting in
decreased rights for women. In ancient Egypt, women enjoyed the same rights under the law
as a man, however rightful entitlements depended upon social class.
Statue of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
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2- The Fight for Suffrage:
During the 19th century, some women began to ask for, demand, and then agitate and
demonstrate for the right to vote – the right to participate in their government and its law-
making. Other women opposed suffrage, like Helen Kendrick Johnson, who argued in the
1897 pamphlet Woman and the Republic that women could achieve legal and economic
equality without having the vote. The ideals of women's suffrage developed alongside that
of universal suffrage and today women's suffrage is considered a right (under the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). During the 19th century,
the right to vote was gradually extended in many countries, and women started to campaign
for their right to vote. In 1893 New Zealand became the first country to give women the right
to vote on a national level. Australia gave women the right to vote in 1902.
A number of Nordic countries gave women the right to vote in the early 20th century –
Finland (1906), Norway (1913), Denmark and Iceland (1915). With the end of the First World
War many other countries followed – the Netherlands (1917), Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada,
Czechoslovakia, Georgia, Poland and Sweden (1918), Germany and Luxembourg (1919), Tur
key (1934), and the United States (1920). Late adopters in Europe were Greece in
1952, Switzerland (1971 at federal level; 1959–1991 on local issues at canton
level), Portugal (1976 on equal terms with men, with restrictions since 1931) as well as
the microstates of San Marino in 1959, Monaco in 1962, Andorra in 1970,
and Liechtenstein in 1984.
In Canada, most provinces enacted women's suffrage between 1917 and 1919, late adopters
being Prince Edward Island in 1922, Newfoundland in 1925 and Quebec in 1940.
In Latin America some countries gave women the right to vote in the first half of the 20th
century – Ecuador (1929), Brazil (1932), El Salvador (1939), Dominican
Republic (1942), Guatemala (1956) and Argentina (1946). In India, under colonial rule,
universal suffrage was granted in 1935. Other Asian countries gave women the right to vote in
the mid-20th century – Japan (1945), China (1947) and Indonesia (1955). In Africa, women
generally got the right to vote along with men through universal suffrage
– Liberia (1947), Uganda (1958) and Nigeria (1960). In many countries in the Middle East
universal suffrage was acquired after World War II, although in others, such as Kuwait,
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suffrage is very limited. On 16 May 2005, the Parliament of Kuwait extended suffrage to
women by a 35–23 vote.
3- Modern Achievements
In today’s world, women have made remarkable progress across various fields, breaking
barriers and inspiring future generations. Here are some key modern achievements:
a- Leadership Roles:
Women have risen to prominent leadership positions. For instance:
Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United
States in 2021. Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New
Zealand, was celebrated for her compassionate leadership.
b- Advocacy and Activism:
Women like Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, advocate
for girls' education, especially in regions where it is denied. Activists
like Greta Thunberg lead global movements for climate change
awareness.
c- Science and Technology:
Women are making groundbreaking contributions to STEM fields:
Katie Bouman led the development of the algorithm that captured the first image of a black
hole.
Jennifer Doudna co-developed CRISPR gene-editing technology,
revolutionizing genetic science.
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d- Business and Entrepreneurship:
Women are leading global companies, such as:
o Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, one of the world’s largest car manufacturers.
o Oprah Winfrey, who built a media empire and became a symbol of female
entrepreneurship.
e- Sports Achievements:
Female athletes like Serena Williams and Simone Biles have dominated their sports,
shattering records and inspiring millions.
f- Arts and Entertainment:
Women like Ava DuVernay and Chloé Zhao have directed groundbreaking films, earning
critical acclaim and awards, while artists like Beyoncé use their platforms to advocate for
social change.
g- Global Representation:
Women now hold 26% of parliamentary seats globally—a significant increase, though there’s
still work to be done. Their voices in politics are shaping policies on education, healthcare,
and human rights.
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These achievements showcase women’s resilience, talent, and determination to excel, even in
fields historically dominated by men. They continue to inspire change and redefine
possibilities for future generations.
III- RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN MODERN SOCIETY
1. Equal Pay and Job Opportunities:
Women have the right to work and receive equal pay for equal work. However, the gender
pay gap remains a critical issue worldwide.
2. Education:
The right to education is a universal entitlement to education. The Convention Against
Discrimination in Education prohibits discrimination in education, with discrimination being
defined as "any distinction, exclusion, limitation or preference which, being based on race,
colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic
condition or birth, has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing equality of treatment in
education". The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states at
Article 3 that "The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal right
of men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights set forth in the
present Covenant", with Article 13 recognizing "the right of everyone to education".
Access to education for women remains limited in some parts of the world. Almost two-thirds
of the world's illiterate adults are women.
While women's right to access to academic education is recognized as very important, it is
increasingly recognized that academic education must be supplemented with education
on human rights, non-discrimination, ethics and gender equality, in order for social
advancement to be possible. This was pointed out by Zeid bin Ra'ad, the current United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who stressed the importance of human rights
education for all children: "What good was it to humanity that Josef Mengele had advanced
degrees in medicine and anthropology, given that he was capable of committing the most
inhuman crimes? Eight of the 15 people who planned The Holocaust at Wannsee in 1942 held
PhDs. They shone academically, and yet they were profoundly toxic to the world. Radovan
Karadžić was a trained psychiatrist. Pol Pot studied radio electronics in Paris. Does this
matter, when neither of them showed the smallest shred of ethics and understanding?" There
has been increased attention given in recent decades to the raising of student awareness to the
importance of gender equality.
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First group of women who entered university in Iran
3. Reproductive Rights:
Reproductive rights are legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive
health. Reproductive rights were endorsed by the twenty-year Cairo Programme of Action
which was adopted in 1994 at the International Conference on Population and
Development (ICPD) in Cairo, and by the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Platform for
Action in 1995.
In the 1870s feminists advanced the concept of voluntary motherhood as a political critique
of involuntary motherhood and expressing a desire for women's emancipation. Advocates for
voluntary motherhood disapproved of contraception, arguing that women should only engage
in sex for the purpose of procreation and advocated for periodic or permanent abstinence.
Reproductive rights represent a broad concept, that may include some or all of the following
rights: the right to legal or safe abortion, the right to control one's reproductive functions, the
right to access quality reproductive healthcare, and the right to education and access in order
to make reproductive choices free from coercion, discrimination, and violence. Reproductive
rights may also be understood to include education about contraception and sexually
transmitted infections. Reproductive rights are often defined to include freedom from female
genital mutilation (FGM), and forced abortion and forced sterilization. The Istanbul
Convention recognizes these two rights at Article 38 – Female genital mutilation and Article
39 – Forced abortion and forced sterilization.
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Reproductive rights are understood as rights of both men and women, but are most frequently
advanced as women's rights.
In the 1960s, reproductive rights activists promoted women's right to bodily autonomy, with
these social movements leading to the gain of legal access to contraception and abortion
during the next decades in many countries.
4. Freedom from Violence:
Freedom from violence is a fundamental right for women, yet millions worldwide still face
gender-based violence in various forms. Achieving this freedom is crucial for women to live
with dignity and security. Here’s an overview:
a. Forms of Violence:
o Domestic Violence: Abuse by intimate partners remains one of the most widespread
forms of violence.
o Sexual Violence: Includes harassment, assault, and rape, affecting women in both
private and public spaces.
o Human Trafficking: Many women are victims of trafficking for forced labor or
sexual exploitation.
o Harmful Cultural Practices: Practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and
forced marriages still affect millions of women globally.
b. Impact of Violence:
o Physical and mental health issues, including injuries, trauma, and depression.
o Economic consequences, as victims may struggle to work or support themselves.
o A negative ripple effect on families and communities.
c. Global Efforts to Combat Violence:
o International Campaigns: Movements like #MeToo and 16 Days of Activism Against
Gender-Based Violence have raised awareness and called for action.
o Legal Protections: Many countries have introduced laws to criminalize violence
against women, such as restraining orders and harsher penalties for offenders.
o Support Services: Shelters, counseling services, and hotlines have been established to
help victims recover and rebuild their lives.
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d. Education and Prevention:
o Promoting gender equality in schools and communities to challenge harmful
stereotypes.
o Training law enforcement to handle cases sensitively and ensure justice for victims.
o Encouraging men and boys to become allies in the fight against violence.
e. A Global Call to Action:
Despite progress, much remains to be done. Governments, organizations, and individuals
must work together to end violence against women by:
o Strengthening laws and ensuring their enforcement.
o Funding programs that support victims.
o Breaking the silence around violence through education and advocacy.
Freedom from violence is not a privilege—it is a basic human right. Societies thrive when
women live without fear, free to pursue their dreams and contribute fully to their
communities.
IV- DUTIES OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY
1. Family and Community:
Women often play a crucial role in raising children and maintaining family bonds. This
responsibility, while significant, should not overshadow their individual aspirations.
2. Professional Contributions:
Women contribute to various fields, from science and technology to arts and politics. They
must balance their professional duties with societal expectations.
3. Advocacy for Equality:
Women can inspire and mentor others, advocating for gender equality and empowering future
generations.
4. Challenges Women Face
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a. Cultural and Social Barriers:
In many societies, traditional gender roles restrict women from pursuing careers or education.
b. Political Underrepresentation:
Despite progress, women hold only 26% of parliamentary seats globally. This
underrepresentation affects policymaking.
c. Workplace Discrimination:
Women often face unequal opportunities, maternity bias, and harassment at work.
d. Access to Healthcare:
In many developing regions, women lack access to adequate healthcare, affecting their well-
being and that of their families.
5. How Society Can Support Women
a. Education for All:
Governments and NGOs must invest in educating girls and promoting STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers for women.
b. Enforcing Laws:
Strong legal frameworks must be established to protect women from violence and
discrimination.
c. Challenging Stereotypes:
Media and cultural institutions should challenge traditional gender norms and promote diverse
role models.
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d. Shared Responsibilities:
Men must share household duties and parenting roles to ease the burden on women.
CONCLUSION
Women’s rights and duties are interconnected and essential for the development of any
society. Empowering women is not just about granting those rights but also recognizing their
invaluable contributions. As a society, we must strive to create an environment where women
can exercise their rights freely while fulfilling their duties without discrimination or
limitations.
Call to Action:
Let us advocate for equality and work together to dismantle the barriers that prevent women
from achieving their full potential. Gender equality benefits everyone, not just women, by
creating a more just, prosperous, and balanced world.
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