In a powerful declaration on Thursday, the need for action in the human rights arena echoed throughout the venue celebrating the impactful women who laid the groundwork for the UN’s dedication to gender equality. Anna Fierst invoked her great-grandmother Eleanor Roosevelt, stating, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home,” underscoring how essential local activism is to the global human rights movement.
Progress has been neither straight nor easy since the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); Fierst noted that if Eleanor Roosevelt were alive today, she would be both amazed by advancements and dismayed by people “hiding behind technology,” stressing the need for human engagement over technological interaction.
At the event, organised by the UN Department of Global Communications and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Gertrude Mongella, known as “Mama Beijing,” reflected on the milestones from the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women. She emphasised that despite slower strides, the journey towards gender equality must persist, as the legacy of those early decisions continues to empower women profoundly.
However, a recent report from UN Women reveals that almost 25% of governments are rolling back women’s rights, reflecting an unsettling trend of increased discrimination and diminished legal protections. This demonstrates the ongoing struggle in the fight for gender equality, as many women still face significant barriers worldwide.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first female President of the UN General Assembly, also graced the occasion. Known for her substantial contributions to women’s rights and education, Pandit once faced house arrest for opposing her cousin, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian measures. After her release, she actively campaigned against such oppressive regimes, serving as a beacon of resilience and a lesson on necessary action in political environments.
The vibrant discussion included insights from Rebecca Adami, who explored the contributions of these pioneering women behind the UDHR in a recent exhibition at the UN. Her work brings to light the often overlooked stories of these trailblazers, shining a spotlight on their struggles and triumphs in securing human rights for all.
The recent event celebrating women’s contributions to human rights emphasised the need for action and local engagement in the ongoing fight for equality. Notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit were highlighted, showcasing both achievements and ongoing challenges, notably the alarming regress in women’s rights reported by UN Women. The discussion underscored the essential role of women’s activism and the lessons learned from past struggles to inform future efforts.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the vital role of women in advancing human rights through both historical and contemporary lenses. Figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit demonstrated the importance of local activism and resilience against oppression. With a concerning trend of setbacks in women’s rights noted in the latest UN report, the fight for equality remains as crucial as ever. Hence, continued commitment and action are imperative to uphold these rights on both local and global scales.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
