This meeting was held in the form of a working lunch for the 21 members, in addition to members of the president’s office and the Secretariat of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, lasting two hours and during which a round table examined ways to operationalize the “board”.
The meeting was also an opportunity to put in place working methods, in particular for the exchange of good practices between all the Organizations included therein, and also the appointment of a restricted office in charge of helping the Presidency in its efforts to better guide the Human Rights Council on this subject.
The debate was extremely fruitful with around twenty speeches from the Directors of Agencies and Secretaries General present,welcoming this initiative which,for the first time,establishes direct coordination,with the aim of promoting this equality,facing to the multiple challenges and obstacles it faces,due to the lack of importance given in particular to economic and social development,and the slowness of adaptation of the various government policies concerned.
This working lunch was also marked by the remarkable intervention of the President of the Committee on the Elimination of Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), who came from abroad to participate.
Numerous proposals were made on the aspects concerning the statistics and the data to be recorded, to have an approach close to reality, but also on the question of the narrative and the terminology to which it would be necessary to give a coherence respectful of the principle of equality.
During this meeting, the fundamental involvement of the Moroccan Presidency for this initiative was very highly appreciated, several speakers not hesitating to emphasize that such an approach is unprecedented in the annals of the Council and International Geneva.
The Advisory council on Gender Equality was created on September 30 within the Human Rights Council, at the initiative of the Moroccan presidency of this UN body, with the aim of strengthening discussions and action of the HRC in matters of equality and gender parity.
This structure aims to promote development and the achievement of enduring development objectives and more broadly to ensure that this issue, which is at the center of human rights concerns, becomes a reality at the international level, underlined Ambassador Zniber, permanent representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
How can organizations effectively contribute to the initiatives of the Advisory Council on Gender Equality?
Interview with Dr. Amira Walid, Human Rights and Gender Equality Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Dr. Walid, thank you for joining us today. Recently, a important meeting was held under the Moroccan Presidency of the Human Rights Council, focusing on the newly created Advisory Council on Gender Equality. Could you shed light on the key outcomes of this meeting?
Dr. amira Walid (AW): Thank you for having me. The meeting was indeed a pivotal moment for promoting gender equality globally. It brought together 21 member states and key stakeholders to discuss operationalizing the Advisory Council on Gender Equality. They outlined methods to facilitate collaboration between organizations and emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges facing women worldwide.
TNE: The discussions reportedly highlighted the importance of direct coordination. Why is this significant in the context of human rights?
AW: Direct coordination is crucial. Historically,various agencies frequently enough operate in silos,which diminishes the overall effectiveness of initiatives aimed at gender equality. The establishment of this council marks a transformational shift towards a more unified approach, ensuring that gender equality is at the heart of all policymaking and implementation across different sectors. This will not only enhance accountability but also streamline the sharing of best practices.
TNE: The meeting also featured calls for improved statistics and data collection related to gender equality. How can accurate data impact policy-making?
AW: accurate data is the backbone of effective policy-making.It allows us to identify gaps, allocate resources where they are most needed, and evaluate the impact of different initiatives over time. By focusing on a gender-responsive approach to data collection, decision-makers can ensure that policies reflect the realities faced by women and marginalized groups, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable outcomes.
TNE: The President of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) made a notable intervention during the lunch. What implications does her participation have for the future of gender equality initiatives?
AW: Her intervention signals strong support from established entities within the UN system for the new Advisory Council. It highlights a collective commitment to advancing gender issues at an international level. Collaboration with the CEDAW committee can provide a wealth of expertise and resources, helping to shape the council’s work and amplify its impact on the ground.
TNE: What practical steps can organizations take to support the goals of the new Advisory Council on Gender Equality?
AW: organizations can start by reviewing their policies and practices to ensure they align with the principles of gender equality and human rights. They should engage in knowledge-sharing forums to exchange best practices and challenge discriminatory norms. Additionally, active participation in workshops and initiatives led by the Council can further foster a culture of equality.
TNE: In your opinion, what challenges remain for achieving meaningful progress in gender equality, even with this new initiative in place?
AW: While the establishment of the Advisory Council is a significant step forward, systemic issues and deeply entrenched societal norms still pose substantial challenges. Economic disparities, lack of political will, and slow governmental policy adaptations are hurdles that need to be addressed effectively. Continuous advocacy, coupled with high-level political engagement, will be vital in overcoming these obstacles.
TNE: what is your vision for the future of gender equality within the Human Rights Council’s framework?
AW: My vision is one where gender equality is not seen as an ancillary issue but integrated into all discussions and decisions across the human Rights Council. I hope to see a global commitment that ensures that gender equality is a reality and that all individuals, regardless of gender, can live with dignity, equity, and access equal opportunities. The new council is a great first step towards that goal.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. walid, for your insights. Your expertise sheds light on the mechanisms necessary for tangible change in the realm of gender equality.
AW: Thank you for the possibility to discuss this crucial topic.