WUNRN
http://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2015/7/dps-gender-equality-and-human-rights
GENDER EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Direct Link to Full 65-Page 2015 Publication:
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Authors/Editors: Sandra
Fredman & Beth Goldblatt
The achievement of substantive equality is understood as having
four dimensions: redressing disadvantage; countering stigma, prejudice,
humiliation and violence; transforming social and institutional structures; and
facilitating political participation and social inclusion.
The paper shows that, although not articulated in this way,
these dimensions are clearly visible in the application by the various
interpretive bodies of the principles of equality to the enjoyment of treaty
rights. At the same time, it shows that there are important ways in which these
bodies could go further, both in articulating the goals of substantive equality
and in applying them when assessing compliance by States with international
obligations of equality. The substantive equality approach, in its
four-dimensional form, provides an evaluative tool with which to assess policy
in relation to the right to gender equality. The paper elaborates on the
four-dimensional approach to equality and how it can be used to evaluate the
impact of social and economic policies on women to determine how to make the
economy 'work for women' and advance gender equality. The paper suggests that
there is a growing consensus at the international level on an understanding of
substantive equality that reflects the four dimensional framework.