Blog of Berthe De Vos-Neven, SI Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
On October 25th, 2024, at the UN in Geneva, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee, under the lead of Mrs. Nicole Ameline, and in the present of Mr. Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, launched CEDAW general recommendation 40. This general recommendation is a mile long step forward as it states that “where decisions are made, women must be present”.
Despite significant progress, decision-making systems remain dominated by patriarchal bias. Sexist biases are still a widespread mindset, permeating many aspects of decision-making, so the need for a strong General Recommendation such as this was needed.
As all conventions and action programs have fallen far short of fulfilling their promises, it is the time to make equal representation of women and men in decision-making systems a principle of organisation and not just a goal for the future.
General Recommendation 40
General Recommendation 40 is a relevant strategy to require Member States to ensure gender parity in decision-making processes and spaces is respected. Moreover, it provides guidelines on relevant legislative, policy, and programmatic measures to ensure the implementation of Member States’ obligations. It prioritises transformative actions in favor of gender equality, which are vital for sustainable development that leaves no one behind. It’s a commitment to a more sustainable future for everyone.
In General Recommendation 40 there is no room for defining policies for women, viewed as perpetual minors, but with women present and making decisions at the negotiation table.
It is essential to highlight the benefits for society of equal and inclusive representation of all women and girls in decision-making systems. Concrete actions are needed to change discriminatory systems and structures in all sectors.
Ensuring equal representation is more than a legal obligation; no meaningful social contract is possible without the presence of all women and girls, and there is no democratic governance without the participation of all women and girls.
General Recommendation 40 is a structural response to the strategic shifts in today’s world, whether it concerns climate change, migration, digital transition, health crises, conflicts, insecurity, or political and religious extremism.
The equal and inclusive representation of all women and girls in decision-making systems is part of the universality of rights and the response to the challenges of our time. General Recommendation 40 provided critical guidance for Member States to address this imbalance and ensured equal representation in both the public and private sectors. These are bold steps forward and let’s hope that Member States will endorse General Recommendation 40.
Learn more about CEDAW General Recommendation 40.