Amnesty International and Women’s Rights International – Fighting For Women’s Rights

The world will not be free or equal until women have full access to their rights — from the right to vote and own property to protection from violence, education and medical care. Only then can women fully take on leadership roles, participate in peacemaking and have a voice in decision-making.

Twenty years ago, global women’s leaders agreed on an action plan to guarantee these rights. But a lot of progress needs to be made.

In countries where women are well represented in parliaments, laws that protect their rights are passed more often than those that don’t. Women are more likely to be elected mayors and senators, and their presence in government can reduce corruption, bolster economic growth and increase civic participation. They are also more likely to tackle climate change and make sure that the voices of women and girls are heard.

While there have been advances, many women still face obstacles to their basic human rights, from pay inequality to restrictions on abortion rights and other reproductive choices. These problems are caused by harmful patriarchal traditions and the unequal distribution of power between men and women. Unless governments and societies change these attitudes, the goal of achieving gender equality will not be reached in our lifetimes.

To fight for the rights of all people, defenders of women’s rights need to have support from the governments of the countries they are working in. This is why we advocate for the adoption of an international bill of rights, similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, called the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It would set standards for countries to uphold women’s rights, including a requirement that states protect them from violence and discrimination. Currently, more than 180 countries have ratified it.

Women must be able to decide for themselves how many children they want to have, and when. Having the choice to decide when and whether to have a child is important for women’s health, their well-being and that of their families. It is also a key component of the right to an adequate standard of living, as studies show that when women are economically empowered they can provide better healthcare and nutrition for their families.

We need to work to change laws that restrict women’s freedoms, such as those that prohibit abortion. Amnesty International has lobbied alongside activists in countries like Argentina and Ireland to successfully change restrictive abortion laws. And we need to keep up the pressure, including against the US, which has regressed on this issue.

As we celebrate the achievements of the last half-century, let’s not lose sight of what is needed for the next 20 years. Gender equality is not only an essential human right, it is also a powerful tool for transforming the world and unlocking its full potential. Only when women’s rights are fully realised can we ensure peaceful societies and sustainable development. And that will only happen if we continue to stand up for women’s rights.