Amidst a global surge of backlash against women’s rights, thousands converge on New York City for this year’s major women’s empowerment event, “Beijing+30.” This gathering aims to evaluate the progress on the Beijing Declaration, a comprehensive30-year plan for gender equality. Silence is no longer an option; the atmosphere is charged with the spirit of advocacy, as women unite to push for their rights.
Silvia Hernández, a former Mexican senator, reflects on her experiences at the pivotal 1995 Women’s Conference, which ultimately bridged political divides among the Mexican delegation. She noted their capacity to find common ground despite their differences. “It made us realize that the differences ran deep, but that there were some areas that ran even deeper and that could unite us,” she explained.
The conference was notably marked by Hillary Clinton’s declaration: “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.” However, it was the tenacity of Latin American feminists that fortified this idea into the UN Charter half a century earlier, despite pushback from the United States. At the 1945 San Francisco Conference, only 3% of participants were women, yet three were from Latin America, advocating for gender equality in the foundational human rights document.
Minerva Bernardino’s commitment shone through when she defied injury to ensure her voice was heard. Alongside her peers, she tirelessly argued for inclusion, leading to pivotal changes in the Charter advocating for “respect for human rights for all without distinction.” Moreover, Isabel Pinto de Vidal’s amendment secured equal access to UN roles for women, showcasing their unyielding resolve even in challenging circumstances.
Bertha Lutz’s determination ensured the term “women” appeared in the Charter, despite criticisms. Her pursuits also laid the groundwork for the UN Commission on the Status of Women. This commission eventually led to pivotal documents cementing women’s political rights, empowering countless women across Latin America who gained the right to vote in several countries in the following years.
Katherine Marino underlines the significance of these efforts, dispelling the belief that feminist ideas merely flowed from the Global North to the South. “Latin America was a creator of rights, and especially of international human rights,” she noted, emphasising the region’s influential role.
In 1975, Mexico City hosted the first UN Women’s Conference, despite internal tensions among feminists related to the government’s actions. Yet these frictions sparked creative discussions on issues like the gender wage gap and unpaid work. This conference set the foundation for subsequent gatherings that fostered cross-border networks aimed at diminishing gender-based violence.
Today, women represent 36% of lawmakers in Latin America, the highest proportion globally. The region has witnessed remarkable milestones, including several female heads of state. Michelle Bachelet of Chile notably became the first leader of UN Women, advocating for gender equality on an international platform.
However, the tide often turns; following decades of progress, recent developments indicate a rollback in women’s rights across Latin America. Argentine President Javier Milei recently vowed to remove femicide from the penal code, while El Salvador has curbed discussions around gender issues in education. Several countries are now promoting legislation that threatens reproductive rights and protections against sexual violence.
Latin American women have significantly influenced the formation of human rights, championing gender equality at pivotal conferences over the past century. Their voices, often amidst adversity, have been fundamental in ensuring women’s rights are acknowledged and advocated for globally. However, recent political shifts pose threats to these hard-won rights, necessitating renewed efforts in advocacy and defence.
Latin American women have played a crucial role in shaping international human rights, advocating for gender equality at significant global conferences. From the San Francisco Conference in 1945 to the Beijing+30 event, their contributions have been foundational in establishing women’s rights within international discussions. Yet, amidst growing threats to these rights, it is essential to continue advocating for the progress made and to oppose any regressions.
Original Source: www.wilsoncenter.org
