06/03/2019

Promoting Women as Right Holders through the UPR and SDGs

UPR Info will hold the side event “Promoting Women as Right Holders through the UPR and SDGs” on Friday 8th March 2019 from 14:00 – 15:00 in Room XXV of the Palais des Nations. The event, co-sponsored by UNFPA, marks UPR Info’s first action to fulfill the commitments within the Gender Champions Initiative.

As reported by UN Women “Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society. From mobile banking to artificial intelligence and the internet of things, it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.”

Despite large efforts made over the past decades to narrow the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, major inequalities still persist. According to a recent publication of UNESCO, only 28% of all of the world’s researchers are women. The causes of this under-representation of women in the STEM sector are deeply rooted in the society. This inequality is fostered by discrimination, biases and social norms that influence the quality of the learning experience for female students and limit their education choices.

By using the SDGs and the UPR to improve women’s rights requires a change of perception as women not as victims but as capable members of equal societies. Thus, it is crucial to encourage recommendations for the consecration of these equal societies where women are empowered, having a positive impact in women's health, gender equality, and societies. Collective actions and new solutions are necessary to advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

By focusing on 2019 theme for the International Women’s Day, “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”, this side event aims at encouraging debate on these topics and providing a platform to share experiences and information to support States and relevant stakeholders in driving the integrated implementation of human rights and the SDGs.

Panellists:
• Yibza Aynekullu Tesfaye, Minister-Counsellor Delegation of the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the UN in Geneva
• Judith Fessehaie, ITC’s Women and Trade Programme
• Eleonora Benhar, Head of Medical Product of Natural Cycles
• Alfonso Barragues, Deputy Chief, UNFPA
• Mona M'Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info (Moderator of the event)

For additional information: stakeholders@upr-info.org