Open Working Group discusses promoting equality, including social equity, gender equality and women’s empowerment No 2

Presentation by Nicole Amerline, Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Nicole Amerline, Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was one of the presenters at the beginning of the afternoon session. She referred to women as the primary victims of conflict and violence. She referred to the progress that had been made on gender equality as a prerequisite for achieving the MDGs. Nevertheless the MDGs didn’t entirely adopt concept of gender equality.

According to Ms Amerline the international community has the opportunity and responsibility to reduce the gaps and draw lessons from MDGs. A human rights framework provides a set of norms and discrimination, particularly those based on gender. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is an instrument that is incomparable for guarantees on development. However, sustainable development will continue to be a dream if women’s rights aren’t prioritized. The agenda should be clear on this question. She therefore called for a gender equality goal, while also retaining a cross-cutting approach with good indicators. National capacity should be bolstered and accountability of all mechanisms included in the new development strategy.

CEDAW wants to participate with all the actors.