International frameworks that promote and defend gender equality

There are several global frameworks that promote and defend gender equality, and they are vital for promoting gender equality on a local level. International frameworks promoting gender equality, like CEDAW and the Beijing Platform for Action, offer guidelines for governments to achieve gender equality at the national and local levels. They encourage a comprehensive approach to addressing gender inequality, including economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and political participation. Local governments can benefit from these frameworks as they provide a roadmap for implementing gender-sensitive policies and access to funding and technical assistance.

The Beijing Platform for Action:

This is a landmark agreement that was adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. It is a comprehensive policy framework that outlines 12 critical areas of concern for the advancement of women and gender equality. Read more about the platform here:

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW):

This is an international treaty that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. It is often referred to as the “international bill of rights for women” and sets out the legal obligations of states to eliminate discrimination against women. Read more about the convention here:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 and include a specific goal on gender equality (Goal 5). The SDGs call for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, the promotion of women’s economic empowerment, and the full participation of women in all spheres of life. Read more about SDG #5 here:

The UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs):

The WEPs are a set of principles for business that offer guidance on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. They were developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact and have been endorsed by more than 3,000 companies worldwide. Read more about the principles here:

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC):

Although not specifically focused on gender equality, the CRC includes provisions that promote the rights of girls and boys to equal opportunities and protection from discrimination. It has been ratified by almost every country in the world. Read more about the convention here:

National and regional frameworks on gender equality

There are many different frameworks that promote gender equality on both national and regional levels.

Find out: What national/local frameworks can support your local governments work towards gender equality?