The unfortunate reality is that, as of 2024, no country has fully achieved gender equality. However, the good news is that you and I can work together to change this and make gender equality a reality. 

This course will introduce you to feminist activist approaches to eliminating discrimination against women. While efforts to combat discrimination often begin at the local level, global mechanisms are in place to support governments in fulfilling their commitments to women. You will learn about key United Nations mechanisms, including:

• CEDAW (The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), 

• Special Procedures,

• The Universal Periodic Review, and

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A core focus of the course will be on Violence Against Women (VAW), which is both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality. 

• Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, is a significant public health crisis and a grave violation of women’s human rights.

• According to estimates from the WHO, approximately 1 in 3 women (30%) globally have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

 We will examine the various forms and types of VAW and explore two critical topics in greater depth: Women’s Reproductive Rights and Women in Media.

*Please take a look at the following dates for the Zoom live sessions during the course: