Women and men are entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all of their human rights and to be free from all forms of discrimination. Yet discrimination against women persists in many areas, directly and indirectly, through laws and policies, social norms and practices, and gender-based stereotypes.
Throughout their lives, women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are often denied their human rights and are at risk of experiencing physical, sexual and emotional violence. Grandmothers are at particular risk of deprivation and neglect due to widespread age and gender discrimination throughout Africa. Child, early and forced marriage and school-related sexual violence keep girls from getting an education and reaching their potential. Women and girls bear the brunt of many of the harmful consequences of armed conflict.
Read the message of UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on Human Rights Day:
”Today, on the final day of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women, we are reminded that one in three women worldwide is still subjected to violence. That is nothing short of a global pandemic and a massive human rights violation. ... It is time to match laws, policies and programmes to protect women’s rights with adequate budgets to ensure their implementation.”
- See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2013/12/ed-message-on-international-human-rights-day#sthash.ZSz6tlYH.dpuf
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