PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN, GENEVA
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
26th Session (10th June to 27th June 2014)
Annual Full-Day discussion on Women’s human rights
Panel I: The impact of gender stereotypes on the recognition and enjoyment of women’s human rights
(17 June 2014)
STATEMENT BY INDIA
Mr. President,
1. India welcomes the convening of the Annual Full Day discussion on Women’s Human Rights during the 26th Session of the Human Rights Council, which reemphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the promotion and protection of the human rights of women.
Mr. President,
2. It is important to address the problems related to the impact of gender stereotypes as it adversely affects the actualization of women’s human rights. Gender stereotypes relegate women to a secondary position to men not only at home but also at work beginning at the recruitment stage at multiple levels. All efforts must be made to eliminate all forms of stereotyping at all levels including at social, political, economic, cultural, legal and institutional levels. We are confident that today’s discussion will contribute towards this goal.
3. Government of India has made special focus to address the problem of stereotypes affecting women’s human rights through legislation, policy, awareness & sensitization campaigns and through working with various non-governmental entities. The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favor of women. Efforts continue to ensure mainstreaming of women’s perspective in all developmental processes, as catalysts, participants and beneficiaries. On 9 December 2013, the “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)” Act 2013 came in to force, which covers women employed in both public and private sector workplaces. The Companies Act 2013 stipulates the appointment of at least one woman director on the Board of a company.
4. Measures have also been taken to break the stereotypes that women cannot be equal stakeholders in political and economic spheres of life. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution of India provide for reservation of seats in the local bodies for women. Today, 1.5 million elected women representatives in local bodies are taking decisions on education, health, community development, local infrastructure, etc., bridging the gender-divide in decision making and at socio-economic level. The women’s movement and a widespread network of non-Government Organizations which have strong grass-root presence have also contributed in fighting the stereotypes at national and sub-national levels. The combined efforts have led to a changing societal attitudes and community practices at many places.
Mr President,
5.Gender stereotyping needs to be tackled at all fronts, beginning with how we raise our children. Schools play an important role in this regard. We need to ensure that school curricula do not reinforce stereotypes and are free from gender-discrimination and gender-bias. The Media and entertainment industry also has a defining role in its portrayal of women and should be sensitive to this responsibility.
