Gender Equality & Human Rights: A Core Connection
- Health systems frequently enough fail to adequately serve gender-diverse populations, according to experts at a recent side event of the 78th World Health Assembly.
- Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, stated that when governments treat human rights like an "à la carte menu," the world veers toward...
- Marginalized communities, including gender-diverse individuals and women in sex work, faced disproportionate challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dr.Harjyot Khosa, Regional External Relations Director at the International Planned...
Governments must treat human rights as indivisible to avoid dystopian outcomes, according to experts at the 78th World Health Assembly.This article unpacks the core connection between gender equality and human rights, highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.Increased gender-based violence and limited access to justice are key concerns. Discover how global health coverage initiatives can better serve diverse populations and address inequalities exacerbated by conflict. News Directory 3 provides further context on these urgent topics. Learn how conflicts are intensifying human rights violations around the world. Discover what’s next…
Gender Equality and Human Rights: Foundational for All
Health systems frequently enough fail to adequately serve gender-diverse populations, according to experts at a recent side event of the 78th World Health Assembly. Speakers emphasized that governments must treat human rights as indivisible, foundational and unconditional to avoid dystopian outcomes.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, stated that when governments treat human rights like an “à la carte menu,” the world veers toward dystopia.
Marginalized communities, including gender-diverse individuals and women in sex work, faced disproportionate challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dr.Harjyot Khosa, Regional External Relations Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). She added that gender-based violence was also more frequently reported during the pandemic. Khosa stressed the need to engage marginalized communities to adapt and redesign health systems for better protection within universal health coverage frameworks.
Khosa noted that health systems are frequently enough designed for heterosexual, married individuals, reflecting harmful social norms rooted in patriarchy. She argued that addressing sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice is crucial for achieving universal health coverage at all levels.
Daxa Patel, co-founder of the National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus), emphasized the need to include people living with HIV under India’s universal health coverage. While the Indian government has provided antiretroviral therapy and support, Patel noted that out-of-pocket expenses often create catastrophic costs, especially for women facing intersectional stigma and discrimination.
Gender Inequality and Human Rights Violations
Conflicts and humanitarian crises exacerbate gender inequality and human rights violations. Parwen Hussaini, an Afghan lesbian, is currently at risk after escaping persecution by the Taliban. Her lover,Maryam,remains imprisoned and tortured.
Nemat sadat, CEO of Roshaniya, an advocacy network for LGBTQI+ Afghans, reported that his association has a list of over 1,000 LGBTQI+ individuals still in Afghanistan. To date, they have supported the safe evacuation of 265 people.
Rachel Adau,Executive Director of the Women’s Empowerment Center South Sudan,highlighted that the ongoing conflict in South Sudan has disempowered marginalized groups,including women,LGBTQI+ individuals,and people living with HIV. Gender-based violence,including sexual violence,is rampant,and displacement increases the risk of violence for women and girls. Access to justice and support remains limited.
The upcoming UN High Level Political Forum will review Sustainable Growth Goals for health (SDG3) and gender equality (SDG5). Advocates hope governments will commit to delivering on all SDG goals and targets.