Human

rights and
women
Name: Ishita Iqbal Oishee
Roll: 23 HIS 017
 Introduction
Human Rights refer to the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that belong to
every individual, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or any other status. These
rights are universal, inalienable, and protected by international laws, such as the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They include the right to life,
education, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and protection from
discrimination.

Women's Rights are a specific subset of human rights that focus on ensuring
gender equality and eliminating discrimination against women. These rights
address issues such as equal pay, access to education, freedom from violence,
reproductive rights, political participation, and equal opportunities in society.
Organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) work to promote and protect
women's rights globally.
 Definition
Women’s rights are human rights. Women are humans, so women and girls are due
the same fundamental rights, such as education, a life free of violence, a fair wage,
or the vote. However, worldwide there are many humans being denied the human
rights they are entitled to, simply because they are women and girls. Not a single
country in the world has yet achieved gender justice. In many places, women are
risking their lives by speaking up to assert their rights. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights consists of 30 Articles agreed in 1948 by the General Assembly of
the United Nations. These Articles establish various rights and freedoms, which all
have equal status.
 Women Rights are Human
Women’s rights are human rights.Rights
Women are humans, so women and girls are due
the same fundamental rights, such as education, a life free of violence, a fair wage,
or the vote. However, worldwide there are many humans being denied the human
rights they are entitled to, simply because they are women and girls. Not a single
country in the world has yet achieved gender justice. In many places, women are
risking their lives by speaking up to assert their right. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights consists of 30 Articles agreed in 1948 by the General Assembly of the
United Nations. These Articles establish various rights and freedoms, which all have
equal status.

"Women's rights are human rights" is a phrase used in the feminist movement. The
phrase was first used in the 1980s and early 1990s. Its most prominent usage is as
the name of a speech given by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United
States, on September 5, 1995, at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on
Women in Beijing.
[1] In this speech, she sought to closely link the notion of women's rights with that
of human rights. In the speech, Clinton used the phrase within the longer,
bidirectional refrain, "human rights are women's rights and women's rights are
human rights."

“We, mothers, daughters, sisters, representatives of the

Nation, all demand to be constituted into the National
Assembly. Given that ignorance […] or the disdain of the
rights of woman are the only causes of public misfortune
and the corruption of government, [we] have decided to
make known in a solem declaration the natural,
inalienable and sacred right of women”
First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton during
her speech in Beijing, China
 History

Ancient Periods
In many ancient civilizations
(e.g., Mesopotamia, Greece,
Rome), women had limited rights.
In Athens, for example, women
were excluded from political life.

Some societies, like ancient

Egypt, granted women property Respectable Athenian women were expected to
rights and legal status, but they involve themselves in domestic tasks such as
washing clothes (left); in reality, many worked
were still subordinate to men. (right).
 Foot binding, a practice commonly
inflicted on Chinese women between the
10th century and the early 20th century.
The image shows an X-ray of two bound
Women working alongside a man at a dye Couple clasping hands in marriage, feet.
shop (fullonica), on a wall painting from idealized by Romans as the building
Pompeii block of society and as a partnership
of companions who work together to
produce and rear children, manage
everyday affairs, lead exemplary lives,
and enjoy affection[53]
 Mediavel Time
During mediavel period, religious
and fundamental systems
reinforced gender roles, limiting
women rights in education, work
and politics. In overall Europe
during the Middle Ages, women
were inferior to men in legal
status.[80] Throughout medieval
Europe, women were pressured to
not attend courts and leave all
legal business affairs to their
husbands. In the legal system,
women were regarded as the
property of men so any threat or Royal women’s activities in the Middle
ages
injury to them was the duty of
their male guardians.
Early Women’s Rights Movements (18th–
19th Century)
The Enlightenment (17th–18th century)
introduced ideas about individual rights and
equality, but these mostly applied to men.

Mary Wollstonecraft wrote A Vindication of

the Rights of Woman (1792), advocating for
women's education and equality.

The first wave of feminism began in the 19th

century, focusing on legal rights such as
property ownership, education, and voting. A punch cartoon from 1867 mocking
John Stuart Mill’s attempt to replace the
term ‘man’ with ‘person’ i.e. give
The Seneca Falls Convention (1848) in the women the right to vote. Caption: Mill’s
Logic: Or, Franchise for Females. “Pray
U.S. marked the first organized push for clear the way, there, for these-a-
women's suffrage. persons.”
20th Century: Legal and Political Gains
Suffrage Movement: Women gained the right to vote in many countries
(e.g., the U.S. in 1920, the UK in 1918 for some women, 1928 for all).

United Nations and Human Rights: After World War II, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (1948) recognized equal rights for all,
including women.

Second wave Feminism ( 1960s-1980s) focused on workplace

rights,reproductive rights and gender descrimination.
 Modern Era (21st
century)
women's rights are now legally recognised in most countries, but gender
inequality persists in wages, political representation and access to
education.
Movements like #MeToo (against sexual harassment) and international
efforts like CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women) continue advocating for equality.
Major aspects of Women's rights
1. Right to Education – Equal access to education at all levels.

2. Right to Work and Equal Pay – Freedom to work in any field with fair
wages and safe conditions.

3. Political Rights – Right to vote, run for office, and participate in decision-
making.

4. Reproductive Rights – Access to healthcare, family planning, and

maternity leave.

5. Freedom from Violence – Protection against domestic violence,

harassment, and human trafficking.
6. Legal Rights – Equal treatment under the law in matters like property
ownership, marriage, and divorce.

7. Right to Representation – Inclusion in leadership, media, and decision-

making roles.

8. Freedom of Expression – Ability to voice opinions without discrimination

or suppression.
 Abuses
Women around the world face various forms of abuse in their daily lives,
including:

1. Domestic Violence – Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse by intimate

partners or family members.

2. Sexual Harassment – Unwanted advances, comments, or physical contact in

workplaces, public spaces, or online.

3. Workplace Discrimination – Unequal pay, lack of promotions, and harassment

at work.

4. Human Trafficking – Forced labor, exploitation, and sex trafficking.

5. Honor Killings – Murder of women for bringing "shame" to their families.

6. Child Marriage – Forced or early marriage, restricting education and personal
freedom.

7. Street Harassment – Catcalling, stalking, and public groping.

8. Cyberbullying and Online Abuse – Threats, doxxing, and harassment on social

media.

9. Restrictions on Freedom – Limiting women's movement, education, or decision-

making power.

10. Sexual Violence and Rape – Assault in both personal and conflict situations.
 Organizations contributions
Many organizations worldwide work to protect and promote women's rights.
Here are some key organizations and their contributions:

1. United Nations (UN) & Its Agencies

UN Women: Works for gender equality and women's empowerment through
policy advocacy, leadership programs, and funding women's initiatives.

UNICEF: Focuses on protecting girls from child marriage, violence, and lack of
education.
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund): Works on reproductive rights,
maternal health, and gender-based violence prevention.

2. Amnesty International
Advocates against violence, discrimination, and gender-based oppression.
Conducts global campaigns to end sexual violence and human rights abuses
against women.
3. Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Investigates and reports on women's rights violations, including domestic
violence, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination.

4. International Labour Organization (ILO)

Promotes gender equality in the workplace.
Pushes for equal pay, maternity benefits, and protection from sexual
harassment at work.

5. World Health Organization (WHO)

Works on reproductive health rights, maternal care, and eliminating gender-
based violence.
Leads campaigns against harmful practices like female genital mutilation
(FGM).
6. National and Regional NGOs
Malala Fund: Advocates for girls' education worldwide.
Women’s Global Empowerment Fund: Provides microloans and skill
development programs for women.

SAARC Women’s Empowerment Program: Works in South Asia to promote

women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles.
 Help end violence
Here are ten ways to help end violence against women:

1.Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about the causes and consequences of
gender-based violence and educate others to raise awareness.

2. Support Survivors – Listen to and believe survivors without judgment, offering

them emotional and practical support.

3. Promote Gender Equality – Challenge stereotypes and advocate for equal rights
in education, employment, and decision-making.

4. Speak Up Against Harassment – Call out sexist remarks, harassment, or any form
of violence when you witness it.

5. Advocate for Stronger Laws – Support policies and legal reforms that protect
women and ensure justice for survivors.
6. Encourage Healthy Relationships – Teach and model respect, consent, and
communication in relationships

7. Support Women's Organizations – Donate to or volunteer with groups that

provide shelter, counseling, and legal aid to survivors.

8. Use Social Media for Awareness – Share information, campaigns, and resources
to educate a wider audience.

9. Engage Men and Boys – Encourage men to be allies by challenging toxic

masculinity and promoting respect toward women.

10. Ensure Safe Workplaces and Public Spaces – Advocate for policies that prevent
harassment and violence in workplaces, schools, and communities.
 Conclusion
The struggle for women's human rights has been long and continues today. While
legal advancements have improved women's status, challenges like gender-based
violence, wage gaps, and lack of political representation remain. The fight for full
gender equality is still ongoing.