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Political Transitions Provide
Opportunities to Promote Women’s Human Rights
26 December 2011 - This year, millions of women have taken
to the streets in the Arab world to demand change.
“This year has been eventful in terms of democratisation,
the recognition of freedom of expression and people’s empowerment,” said UN
Human Rights chief Navi Pillay. “The courage and determination of women
involved in the Arab spring should be a source of inspiration for all of us.”
Women played a vital role during the uprisings. They seized
the moment of the Arab spring and voiced their hopes for democracy and
participation in society and politics. They rose up and called for change. For
many women, the demonstrations represented their first chance to take part in
public life.
“It came as no surprise to me that women played a key role
in the protest movements in those regions,” Pillay stressed. “Their struggle
was simply a confirmation that there has always been a global women’s movement,
with many names and faces, further reflecting the diversity we are promoting
today.”
The active participation of women in public protests in many
parts of the world reflects their strong desire to promote societal change,
including respect of the rule of law and human rights. “Women have stood together
with men in the streets, at the frontline of the struggle for a better future,”
said Rashida Manjoo, the UN expert on violence against women.
Too often civilians participating in these movements of
change have encountered different types of violence. Women are among those who
have had to pay a high price, as political and economic transitions often
exacerbate pre-existing discrimination, subordination, and violence against
women. “Women have experienced sexual abuse, inappropriate touching,
invasive body searches, as well as insults and humiliations of a sexual nature.
Women human rights defenders, including activists, journalists and bloggers, as
well as women political candidates have been particularly targeted for politically
motivated purposes,” said Manjoo.
Women are entitled to contribute to societal change and
transformation, free from threats of violence. “Their voices must be heard and
their concerns taken into account during times of transitions and reform,” she
stressed.
Thousands of women have recently demonstrated in the streets
of
Pillay expressed strong concern at what appears to be a
deliberate targeting of peaceful women protestors. “The ruthless violence being
used against unarmed women protestors is especially shocking and cannot be left
unpunished,” she said. “There have also been extremely disturbing reports of
the ill-treatment of women in detention. These must be immediately investigated
and perpetrators brought to justice.”
Transitional justice processes in the Arab region can offer
unique opportunities to address violations of women’s rights and promote the
transformation of traditional and societal norms that promote a subordinate
position of women.
The awarding this year of the Nobel Peace Prize to three
women –
In these moments of historic transition, “women’s rights
should be at the top of the list of new priorities,” said Pillay. “Women must
be able to shape the future of their countries by being involved in
institutional reforms from the beginning. Women’s full participation is
essential not only for their empowerment, but for the advancement of society as
a whole.”
“Let us ensure that women’s rights are at the foundation of
these new beginnings, and let us be vigilant against any retrogression,” she
added.