UN Women has released a new discussion paper that provides guidance on evaluating gender equality policies and State compliance with international treaty bodies that guarantee the protection of women’s human rights. In the paper, UN Women outlines what should be the four primary objectives of policies that promote substantive equality for women, including “redressing disadvantage; countering stigma, prejudice, humiliation and violence; transforming social and institutional structures; and facilitating political participation and social inclusion.” Within this framework, violence against women is associated with the rejection of women as equal persons. The paper recommends specific legislation to prevent domestic violence and other acts of violence against women, as well as campaigns that challenge existing attitudes about women’s place in society.
Compiled from: Fredman, Sandra and Goldblatt, Beth, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016, UN Women (July 4, 2015).