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9.1 In most Asian societies women suffer from
discrimination and oppression. The cause of their oppression
lies in both history and contemporary social and economic
systems.
9.2 The roots of patriarchy are systemic and
its structures dominate all institutions, attitudes, social
norms and customary laws, religions and values in Asian
societies, crossing the boundaries of class, culture, caste
and ethnicity. Oppression takes many forms, but is most
evident in sexual slavery, domestic violence, trafficking in
women and rape. They suffer discrimination in both public and
private spheres. The increasing militarization of many
societies in Asia has led to the increase of violence against
women in situations of armed conflict, including mass rape,
forced labour, racism, kidnapping and displacement from their
homes. As female victims of armed conflict are often denied
justice, rehabilitation, compensation and reparation of the
war crimes committed against them, it is important to emphasis
that systematic rape is a war crime and a crime against
humanity.
9.3 To end discrimination against women in
the field of employment and the right to work, women should be
given the right to employment opportunities, the free choice
of profession, job security, equal remuneration, the right to
compensation in respect of domestic work, the right to
protection of health and safe working conditions, especially
in safeguarding of the function of reproduction and special
protection in times of pregnancy from work that may be
harmful. Women should be given the full right to control their
sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination or
coercion, and be given access to information about sexual and
reproductive health care and safe reproductive technology.
9.4 There are few legal provisions to protect women
against violations of their rights within the domestic and
patriarchal realm. Their rights in public law are seldom
observed. Affirmative measures should be taken to ensure full
and equal participation of women in the political and public
life of the society. A considerable increase in the presence
of women in the various institutions of state power and in the
fields of business, agriculture and land ownership must be
provided for by way of affirmative action. The political,
social and economic empowerment of women is essential for the
defence of their legal rights.
Posted on 2001-11-15
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