Denied Rights of Women And Girls
Date of Meeting: 25 March 2021
Meeting Organizer: Anglican communion
ISJC Staff Present: Major Anita Massey
Reporter: Major Anita Massey
Which SDG does this topic cover? #5
Type of meeting: Commission on the Status of Women Side Event
Brief summary of presentation of information made
The meeting was hosted by Miss Amal Sara,h CSW young delegate from Pakistan, introducing the panellists Martin Dushime, Nomita Biswas, Alice Garrick and Mandy Marshal.
The host explained the reality of gender discrimination at each stage of the female life cycle which contributes to health disparities. These include; sex selective abortions, especially in India and Pakistan; the neglect of girl children; reproductive mortality and morbidity; poor access to health care for girls and women.
The facts are responsible.
The community, caste system, lack of awareness, lack of rights, lack of education, poor implementation of laws against criminals, political powers, violence, poverty, gender discrimination, early marriages, dowry, marital rapes, culture, honour killings are all forms of gender discrimination.
During the session, the following questions were asked
- when will discrimination stop?
- who will raise the voice against injustice?
- who will take the initiative for girls and women?
- who will fight against the evil custom of the society?
- how are churches responsible to fight against these evils?
- how do you fight on your own?
Rev. Nomita Biswas explained three stories of Indian girls and women.
- An eight-year-old girl was raped by a temple priest and a police officer many times and thrown into the jungle.
- A Dalit girl was raped, and her tongue was cut, the doctor denied the rape in postmortem report.
- A Dalit woman was raped by high caste man and burnt.
Mrs. Alice Garrick explained the importance of family counselling for girls. She said “accept your girls, accept their failures, nurture them, guide them, empower them, educate them, give them freedom to choose their carrier, give them freedom to speak”.
Mrs. Mandy Marshall said “unless we don’t change our mindset, laws cannot play their role.” Ms Martin explained the successful stories of her career to empower girls and women.
Web links for more information
https:www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/gender-justice.aspx
https:www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/gender-justice/tools-for-transformation.aspx
Tags: SDG5: Gender Equality