UN Human Rights Council 63: UK Statement for the Annual Discussion on the integration of a gender perspective at the Human Rights Council
UK Statement for the Annual Discussion on the integration of a gender perspective at the Human Rights Council. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr President.
The UK agrees that harmful gender stereotypes remain a significant barrier to equality. They can inhibit people’s choices, their aspirations, and their potential. This affects women and girls, as well as men and boys, and contributes to behaviours that damage mental and physical health.
Mr President, the UK is taking action to address both the causes and consequences of these stereotypes:
The UK’s Minister for Women and Equalities has launched a national taskforce to tackle the rise of misogyny, bringing together government, local leaders and experts to strengthen prevention efforts, and build communities and workplaces where women and girls no longer face harmful attitudes.
England has also published revised teaching guidance on relationships, sex and health education for schools to help young people challenge harmful attitudes around consent, power and control, including misogynistic narratives spread online.
Alongside this, the UK’s Enough campaign is raising awareness of abusive behaviours and encouraging lasting change. We are also advancing pay transparency, recognising that opaque pay practices can allow stereotypes, rather than ability, to shape salary decisions.
Mr President,
How can States better tackle the harmful stereotypes and structural discrimination that continue to undermine the rights, opportunities and safety of women and girls?
Thank you.