Sunday, 26 May 2013
The United Nations Association (UNA) Wales is running a campaign to improve gender equality in Wales. Although the Sex Discrimination Act was adopted in Britain 30 years ago, many women in Wales still experience gender based discrimination. According to the UN Association, 150,000 women in Wales suffer from some form of gender based domestic violence every year and the pay gap in Wales has increased from10.3% in 2009 to 12.7% in 2012.
To end gender inequality in Wales, UNA Wales is targeting both the Welsh Assembly Government as well as schools. The campaign aims to persuade the Assembly to accede to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Moreover, UNA Wales also launched a petition, asking the Assembly to appoint a Welsh Minister for Gender Equality. Research indicates that countries like Denmark and New Zealand, which have a minister dealing with gender equality, rank much better than the UK in the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum.
In order to raise the issue of gender equality among young people, UNA Wales has established a lesson plan aimed at the 14-16 age-group. The lesson plan aims at enhancing their knowledge and understanding of gender inequality and its consequences. In addition, the Welsh UN association has launched an online quiz which assesses the participants comprehension of the issue.
To raise awareness of the issue of gender inequality and its consequences the United Nations have established two international days aimed at women. On 8 March the international community celebrates International Women’s Day and November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Between 25 November and 10 December (Human Rights Day) there will be an international campaign to raise awareness and trigger action to end violence against women called “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence”.
Additional Links
• UNA Wales
• More information on the UNA Wales campaign on gender equality
• More information on the UN Convention on the Eliminiation of all forms of discrimination against Women
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485