DJIBASSO DEPARTMENTAL HIGH SCHOOL BURKINA FASO

UNITE-PROGRES-JUSTICE

SCHOOL YEAR : 2023/ 2024

ENGLISH PRESENTATION

THEME : WOMAN’S RIGHT

CLASS: 2 nde A4 TEAM : 04

TEAM’S MEMBERS

1. BAGAYIRI Sidiki

2. COULIBALY Sohan

3. TRAORÉ Charles

4. SANOU Edwige

5. TRAORÉ Firmin

6. TRAORÉ Sara

TEACHER : MR. KABORÉ

 PLAN

INTRODUCTION

I. HISTORICAL CONTEXT

II. CURRENT STATUS OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS GLOBALLY

III. Case studies

IV. CHALLENGE AND BARRIERS

V. Solutions and recommendations

CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION

In the world we live in today, the importance of women's rights cannot be

overstated. This is a topic that transcends geographical boundaries, cultural differences,
and societal norms. It is a universal issue that affects us all, directly or indirectly, and it
is a subject that demands our attention and action.

The struggle for women's rights is a story that has been written over centuries,
across continents, and by countless individuals who believed in the cause of equality. It
is a narrative filled with victories and setbacks, progress and challenges. It is a journey
that, despite its length and complexity, is far from over.

In this presentation, we will explore the multifaceted nature of women's rights,

starting with a historical overview. We will delve into the struggles and triumphs of
women throughout history, highlighting key figures and events that have shaped the
course of women's rights.

We will then transition into discussing the current status of women's rights
globally. We will examine the progress that has been made so far, but also shed light on
the areas where improvement is still needed. This will provide a balanced perspective on
the state of women's rights today.

Following this, we will present detailed case studies of women's rights issues in
different countries. These case studies will offer a more nuanced understanding of the
challenges faced by women in various parts of the world.

Next, we will discuss the challenges and barriers to women's rights. These
include cultural, societal, and political obstacles that hinder the advancement of
women's rights. We will also discuss the impact of these challenges on women's lives,
providing a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Finally, we will propose solutions and recommendations to promote women's

rights. These will include policies and initiatives that can be implemented, as well as the
role of education, legislation, and activism in advancing the cause of women's rights.
 I. HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The struggle for women's rights is a tale as old as time. It is a story of resilience,
courage, and the indomitable spirit of women who dared to challenge the status quo.

In the early days, women's rights were largely unrecognized. Women were often
seen as property, with little to no rights or freedoms. However, this began to change in
the late 18th century with the advent of the Enlightenment. Philosophers and thinkers
began to question the societal norms and advocated for the rights of women. Mary
Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" published in 1792, is often
considered one of the first works of feminist philosophy that argued women were not
naturally inferior to men, but appeared to be only because they lacked education.

The 19th century saw the rise of the women's suffrage movement. Women like
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the United States, and Emmeline
Pankhurst in the United Kingdom, fought tirelessly for women's right to vote. Their
efforts culminated in the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 and the
Representation of the People Act 1928 in the UK, granting women the right to vote.

The 20th century brought further progress. The United Nations adopted the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, affirming the equal rights of men and
women. In the 1960s and 70s, the second wave of feminism emerged, focusing on issues
such as reproductive rights and equality in the workplace.

These historical figures and events have paved the way for the rights and
freedoms women enjoy today. However, the struggle is far from over. As we delve deeper
into this presentation, we will explore the current status of women's rights globally, the
challenges that remain, and what we can do to overcome them.
 II. CURRENT STATUS OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS GLOBALLY

In the 21st century, we have seen significant strides in the advancement of

women's rights globally. However, the progress has been uneven and there are still areas
where improvement is needed.

On the positive side, more women than ever before are participating in the
political process. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as of 2021, the global
average of women in national parliaments has increased to nearly 25%. This is a
significant increase from just over 11% in 1995.

In the field of education, UNESCO reports that the global literacy rate for
women aged 15 and above has risen to 83% as of 2016, up from 73% in 1990. More girls
are attending school and completing their education, which is a crucial step towards
empowerment.

In terms of economic participation, the World Bank notes that 42% of women
worldwide were part of the labor force in 2020, compared to 36% in 1990. While this is
a positive trend, it also highlights the gender gap in labor force participation, as the rate
for men is 75%.

Despite these advancements, there are still many areas where women's rights are
being violated or neglected. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue worldwide,
with the World Health Organization estimating that about 1 in 3 women worldwide
have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Discriminatory laws also continue to impede women's rights in many countries.

According to the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law 2021 report, women have
only three-quarters of the legal rights of men on average globally.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities for

women. According to UN Women, the pandemic has intensified the unpaid care work
burden for women, increased the risk of gender-based violence, and led to a
disproportionate economic impact on women.
 In conclusion, while we have made progress in advancing women's rights
globally, there is still much work to be done. The path to gender equality requires
continuous effort, commitment, and action from all of us.

III. Case studies

To better understand the complexities of women's rights, let's delve into some
specific case studies from different countries.

Sweden: Often hailed as a champion of gender equality, Sweden has implemented

policies such as generous parental leave, free childcare, and a commitment to close the
gender pay gap. However, even in Sweden, challenges remain. For instance, women are
still underrepresented in top positions in the corporate sector.

Afghanistan: On the other end of the spectrum, women in Afghanistan face

severe restrictions on their rights. Under the Taliban rule, women's access to education
and employment has been severely limited, and they face harsh penalties for defying
these restrictions.

India: In India, progress towards women's rights has been mixed. On one hand,
India has had a female Prime Minister and women are increasingly visible in public
roles. On the other hand, issues like child marriage, dowry, and gender-based violence
remain prevalent.

Brazil: In Brazil, women have made significant strides in politics and education.
However, the country still has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, and
reproductive rights are heavily restricted.

Kenya: In Kenya, women's rights have been enshrined in the 2010 constitution,
which guarantees equal rights for men and women. Despite this, cultural practices such
as female genital mutilation and early marriage persist in some communities.
 These case studies illustrate the diverse range of issues related to women's rights
around the world. They highlight the progress that has been made, but also the
challenges that remain. As we move forward, it's crucial to learn from these examples
and work towards solutions that respect and promote women's rights in all societies.

IV. CHALLENGE AND BARRIERS

Despite the progress made in advancing women's rights, numerous challenges

and barriers still exist. These obstacles, which can be cultural, societal, or political,
significantly hinder the advancement of women's rights and impact women's lives in
profound ways.

Cultural Obstacles: In many societies, traditional gender roles and norms often
act as a barrier to women's rights. Practices such as child marriage, female genital
mutilation, and honor killings are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and beliefs. These
practices not only violate women's rights but also have severe physical and
psychological impacts.

Societal Obstacles: Discrimination and bias against women persist in many

aspects of society. This includes the workplace, where women often face wage gaps, glass
ceilings, and sexual harassment. In the home, women bear a disproportionate burden of
unpaid care work, such as childcare and housework.

Political Obstacles: Women are underrepresented in political leadership globally.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as of 2021, women make up only 25% of
all national parliamentarians. This lack of representation hinders the advancement of
policies that promote women's rights.

Legal Obstacles: In many countries, laws still discriminate against women. For
example, some countries have laws that restrict women's rights to inherit or own
property. Others have laws that excuse or justify violence against women.
 Economic Obstacles: Women often face economic disadvantages, such as lower
wages and limited access to credit. These economic barriers can limit women's
independence and decision-making power.

These challenges and barriers are complex and intertwined. Addressing them
requires comprehensive and intersectional solutions that take into account the multiple
dimensions of women's rights.

V. Solutions and recommendations

Addressing the challenges and barriers to women's rights requires

comprehensive and intersectional solutions. Here are some policies and initiatives that
can promote women's rights:

Education: Education is a powerful tool for empowering women and promoting

gender equality. Governments and organizations should invest in ensuring girls have
access to quality education, including comprehensive sexuality education that promotes
respect for women's rights.

Legislation: Laws play a crucial role in protecting women's rights. Governments

should enact and enforce laws that promote gender equality, such as laws against
gender-based violence, laws that ensure equal pay for equal work, and laws that
guarantee women's rights to property and inheritance.

Economic Empowerment: Women's economic empowerment is key to promoting

women's rights. This can be achieved through initiatives that provide women with
access to credit, training, and employment opportunities. Additionally, policies should
be implemented to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work.
 Political Participation: Increasing women's political participation is essential for
advancing women's rights. Efforts should be made to increase women's representation
in political leadership through measures such as quotas.

Social Norms: Changing social norms that perpetuate gender inequality is a

complex but necessary task. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns,
education, and community programs that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote
respect for women's rights.

Activism: Grassroots activism plays a crucial role in advancing women's rights.

Support should be given to women's rights activists and organizations that work on the
ground to promote gender equality.

Promoting women's rights requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the

cultural, societal, and political barriers to gender equality. It requires the collective
effort of individuals, communities, governments, and the international community.
Together, we can create a world where women's rights are respected and protected.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the journey towards achieving women's rights is a long and

ongoing one. It is a journey that has seen remarkable progress, but also significant
challenges. From the historical struggles to the current global status, from the detailed
case studies to the barriers faced, we have explored the multifaceted nature of women's
rights.

We have also discussed potential solutions and recommendations, highlighting

the importance of education, legislation, economic empowerment, political
participation, changing social norms, and activism. These are not just solutions, but
they are also calls to action for each one of us.
 Women's rights are not just women's issues; they are human rights, and they
concern us all. Achieving gender equality requires the collective effort of individuals,
communities, governments, and the international community.

As we move forward, let us remember that every step taken towards gender
equality, no matter how small, is a step towards a more just and equitable world. Let us
continue the fight for women's rights, not just for the women of today, but for the
generations of tomorrow.