HRC59: A more equitable world for women and girls

The 59th session of the Human Rights Council

16 June - 09 July 2025

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls 

24 June 2025 

By Rose Chiara Atieno / GICJ 

Executive Summary 

The 59th session of the Human Rights Council organised a day dedicated to the annual day for women in which  an interactive dialogue on the discrimination against women and girls took place. During the 13th,14th, and 15th meeting of the council , the working group and states voiced their growing concerns over the various discrimination against women and girls. 

In this meeting, the member of the working group, Ms. Haina Lu, spoke on behalf of the working group and presented the groups findings in which they expressed concerns over the increase in the use of sexual violence as a method of war, gender-based violence and discrimination in care work. There was a consensus of agreement that there is concern over the use of sexual violence as a method of war, gender-based violence and discrimination in care work with the overall conversation being skewed towards concern over care work. During the meeting, Ms. Haina Lu and states’ representatives reaffirmed the idea that care and support remain at the heart and foundations of families and of society and as such should be shared responsibilities. 

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the recommendations made by the working group and is committed in the fight against discrimination against women and girls. We further assert that gender equality is essential to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Background

During the 15th session in 2010, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 15/23, which established a working group with the purpose of investigating and targeting the issues on discrimination against women and girls in law and practice. This mandate sought to bridge the gap between men and women as it pertains to laws and effective enforcement. However, it is evident that issues relating to women extend beyond laws and that women’s rights issues continue to hold significant weight in the conversation around human rights. Therefore, the mandate was renewed in the 23rd session in resolution 23/7, the 32nd session under resolution 32/4 and again  in 2019 during the 41st session under resolution 41/6. In the final renewal of the mandate, the name of the working group was replaced into the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls. 

The overall framework of the working group’s mandate emphasises the importance of the elimination of discrimination against women and girls within the law and was  further expanded as previously mentioned. The approach is a human rights approach that centres women in efforts of state accountability by implementing meaningful change that empowers women and promotes gender equality. 

Summary of the report

The main aim of the report for the 59th session,  as presented by Ms. Haina Lu, is to underscore the pivotal role of care and support in the sustaining of the wellbeing of our societies. The world is rapidly aging at a time when most of the responsibility of care falls upon women and girls due to societal norms. As Ms. Lu described in her report, although carework requires a great amount of time and effort, there remains poor attitudes towards it, l as care workers are underpaid, undervalued, and unprotected. 

The report highlighted that women make up 76.2 per cent of care workers and make up 70 per cent of the overall workers in healthcare, which is one of the major areas of care in the economy. Women contribute a total of 12.5 billion hours daily of care work, generating at least $10.8 trillion yearly to the global economy. However, most of this work remains unpaid and therefore most women in care work remain significantly underpaid. The report notes that when care work is regarded as women’s work, women are more likely to leave their jobs to care for their families or any dependants and thus look “less attractive” to employers, leaving them with less job security. Additionally, the report explores how centring women in care work affects a broad range of human rights, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The effects on the right to health is explored, such as the ways in which undertaking these roles can be overbearing on a woman’s health. An example noted in the report is the rise in cortisol level in women due to the stress induced by care work which negatively affects their health

Additionally, this report dives into the different factors that affect the care work field, such as war. War being one of the “ultimate violations of human rights law” acts as a threat to the building of proper care systems. The report stated that war applies more pressure on care work , as although there are legal restrictions on the destruction of civilian buildings such as hospitals, they continue to be some of the most affected areas throughout global conflicts

 The working group calls not only for the raised awareness of this issue, but also for the effective change on the attitudes surrounding care work. Additionally, the working group calls for increased investment in this area and transformative change to shift the prevailing narrative that places women at the centre of care work. It is stressed there is need for a more balanced approach that promotes shared responsibility and ensures equal participation of men and boys in caregiving roles.

Overall, the main recommendations of the report called for states to move to a feminist human rights approach when discussing care work and overall human rights. Examples of the recommendations include that states should take measures to build gender responsive, inclusive human rights and sustainable care support systems. The report also urges that states strengthen legal, labour, and economic protections for paid and unpaid care and support workers. Overall, the report calls for more attention to the crisis of the discrimination within care work. 

Interactive Dialogue

Opening statement by Ms. Haina Lu, member of the working group 

During her opening statement, Ms. Haina Lu discussed the working group’s continued concern over women’s rights in and out of areas of crisis as there continues to be staggering cases of gender-based violence and use of sexual violence as a method of war. However, it was highlighted that this dialogue was to be geared to the works of the report from the working group, which focused on the topic of care work and the discrimination within the field. Furthermore, Ms. Lu brought attention to the fact that although women and girls undertake an immense amount of the responsibility of care work, they lack the support and care they need to continuously carry out these responsibilities, directly linking self-care and mental health support to human rights such as rest, leisure, bodily autonomy, and health. Notably, she stated that the report promotes the ideology that allocating spaces and time for selfcare are not viewed as a luxury but a necessity, especially for those in healthcare or care workspaces. 

Ms.Lu then highlighted that the report aims to align itself with the Create framework as it places women at the centre of fair and equitable substantive gender equality. The CREATE framework is a feminist human rights tool that provides a structured roadmap with the goal of achieving transformative substantive gender equality. 

C- counter harmful social norms, discrimination, and violence.

R- redress socioeconomic disadvantages.

E- eliminate legal and structural barriers.

A -adapt proactive laws and policies. 

T- transform institutionalised patriarchal power structures. 

E- enhance the participation and agency of girls. 

The significance of this framework is that it digresses from a theoretical stance into one that is actionable as all elements of the framework are realistic and can be easily implemented. The framework urges states to implement systematic change. She highlighted that the report recognises some promising steps taken by some states. The first example was Ecuador,as it recognises care work in its constitution. China, Mexico, Norway, and Canada have expanded childcare services and parental leave, while Tunisia has extended social security to unpaid care workers. Uganda, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka have created community-based models which offer support for women who have been victims of gender-based violence. 

Ms. Lu noted that for the purposes of the report and for the general understanding of state implementation of women’s rights, the working group conducted visits to the Dominican Republic and Thailand. The country visit to the Dominican Republic took place from 22 to  31 of July 2024, when it was noted that the country made strides in gender equality and in its efforts to ensure a gender perspective is given during discussions of human rights.  The working group’s representative commended the efforts in  gender equality efforts, specifically in the promotion of further inclusion of women within the government. However, she noted that despite ongoing efforts, gender-based violence remains a significant issue in the country. 

The visit to Thailand was, instead, from  2 to 13 December 2024, in which the country cooperated with the working group on a review of the country’s progress in implementation of women’s rights. Some of the commendations given to Thailand were the improvement in the education system when concerning girls, increasing protection for domestic workers, and reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy. However, there continues to be gaps in the law that isolate indigenous women, women of the southern border, refugees, migrants, and women with disabilities thus hindering them from the enjoyment of their human rights. The working group urged the government of Thailand to embrace women and girls in all their diversity by amplifying the work women do for the society. 

Finally, she highlighted that there needs to be a paradigm shift to a world where care lies at the centre of our economies, policies, and values. Conclusively, it is urged that states make the appropriate steps to ensure that care work does not go unnoticed, unrecognised, and unappreciated. 

 Statement of Countries Concerned - Dominican Republic 

In accordance with the practice, the floor was handed to the countries concerned. The representative of the Dominican Republic took the floor and began by thanking the working group for the visit and welcomed the recommendations. They began by echoing that the Dominican constitution prohibits discrimination against women and promotes that balanced participation of childcare between men and women. 

The delegation stated that the constitution has enabled significant reforms including the enactment of Law 121, which closed the loophole permitting child marriages. They also highlighted Law 2023, which establishes a gender quota for elections and prohibits political violence against women. Finally, the delegation referenced law 8803, noting it provides safe houses for women who are victims of gender-based violence. She asserted that the Dominican Republic is en route to making changes to the issues raised by the working group, such as reducing the rates of femicide, stating that there have been sustained reduction in numbers, but recognising that there are still many hurdles to cross to effectively reduce femicide. 

Ms. Daris Sanchez, on behalf of the Dominican Republic, welcomed the overall work of the working group recognising that although there have been changes within the 

Statement of Countries Concerned - Thailand 

The delegate of Thailand thanked the working group for its visit and for their efforts in the protection of the rights of women and girls. Thailand highlighted its commitment to addressing and reducing the number of cases of gender-based violence in the country. It was further conveyed that the country is actively promoting women’s participation in policy making while also advancing in inclusive education. In southern provinces, a targeted strategy is being made to assess and address the specific needs of women and girls. 

Following, the representative highlighted that the national adaptation plan for climate change includes gender as a cross cutting priority that promotes women in climate and sustainable development. Furthermore, Thailand ensured that they are working on the promotion of security for vulnerable women as they understand that women should be able to enjoy their human rights.  

Statements by Other Countries and Group 

The representative of the Republic of Korea, speaking on behalf of Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Australia, welcomed the work of the working group. The delegate stressed that they are all committed to the ensuring of full, enhanced, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all sectors. Finally, he highlighted the group's commitment to collaborating to ensure that women and girls can fully enjoy their rights and to the betterment of working standards for women in care work.

The delegate of the European Union emphasised its firm commitment to women’s rights, asserting that it has consistently championed gender equality and will continue to lead efforts to advance and protect the rights of women and girls. They reiterated that tackling gender stereotypes, sexism and discriminatory gender norms is the first step in redistributing equal share of responsibility in care work. To conclude, the European Union asked the working group what measures they have observed to have made a rapid and measurable difference towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination towards women and girls and achieving substantial gender equality. 

The representative of Ghana, on behalf of the African group, noted with concern that empowerment and non-discrimination of women are far from being achieved. They highlighted that war and conflict, in conjunction with economic challenges, have further reinforced inequalities between men and women in the world. The group reaffirmed their efforts to promote equality between women and men as a universal value and as a sustainable development goal. Finally, it was stressed that Africa would like to create further initiatives centred around women and girls to tackle the issue of discrimination against women and girls.

The representative of Lithuania, on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, reiterated what other states mentioned and condemned the lack of legal protection of women and girls who undertake these roles. The delegate highlighted that not only do women undertake care work roles in times of peace, but also are the main contributors of sustaining life during times of conflict. He emphasised the need to challenge gender stereotypes and promote active involvement of men and boys in care work, not only as a step to true gender equality, but also to enhance the economic empowerment of women. The delegate concluded by asking how states can support civilian care infrastructure in conflict attacked countries especially through humanitarian aid. 

“Instability so often amplifies deeper discrimination and inequality” were the key words of the delegate of Denmark as they took the floor to discuss their concerns over gender inequalities. She emphasised the serious consequences of disproportionately placing the burden of care responsibilities on women, stating that society must evolve to ensure women and girls are no longer forced to choose between a career and having children. The representative shed light on the growing crisis of female reproductive rights - such as the lack of access to safe and legal abortions - which ultimately highlights the lack of consideration of female healthcare and gender inequalities. She criticised the actions of states insisting on women and girls to have families due to the declining population, emphasising that women should not be responsible for solving the reproductive crisis.  Overall, the delegation urged that there should be promotion of shared responsibility not only as it concerns care work in healthcare, but also childcare work in the home.

The delegate of Spain, aligning with the EU statement, reinforced their commitment to all efforts geared towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls. They cited that some of the ways they have made efforts to promote gender equality include, but are not limited to, tackling the issues of care through a feminist lens by consolidating care as a right. Examples of policies include the expansion of parental leave and implementation of equal leave for both mother and father, the creation of care spaces for all families including those with children who require special assistance, and the creation of quality employment in the care sector. Finally, the representative of Spain asked how states can better integrate an intersectional perspective in the drafting of public care policies. 

The representative of Kenya, aligning with the African Union statement, recognised that care work remains heavily gendered with women carrying the majority of the burden. The delegate of Kenya highlighted that they have taken steps to address this issue through the adoption of a national care policy to promote shared responsibility and expand access to quality care. Finally, she emphasised that Kenya is committed to improving the overall situation for women, especially for the most vulnerable ones affected by poverty and disability. To conclude, Kenya asked the working group what the most effective strategies for mobilising sustainable public investment and international cooperation are to support the development of care systems in low and middle income countries, particularly in Africa. 

Statements By NGOs and Civil Society

National Human Rights Institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) expressed grave concern for the increase in the use of violence against women with most calling for heightened attention on women and girls. One major concern raised by NGOs was the ongoing practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), highlighting not only the persistence human right violation but the broader failure to ensure women receive adequate care and protection for their fundamental rights. Overall, these organisations and institutions urged the committee and the states to take matters pertaining to women and gender equality with immediate urgency. 

Concluding Remarks

As the session span over two days, Ms. Haina Lu made her final remarks on the 25th June in which she stressed that, although the journey towards gender equality is long, it is very much doable. 

She began by commending the states that have made effective steps towards gender equality. 

Her final remarks were mainly catered to giving recommendations on how to curate and implement effective laws that centre women and promote gender equality. One of her recommendations was to, in the context of care and support,extend parental leave to men to ensure great rewards for the family unit, while also alleviating some of the burden of childcare on women. She further recommended that governments take effective steps to eliminate laws that discriminate against women and girls. Additionally, she suggested that it is important to have all parties concerned - such as caregivers,care receivers and women’s international organisations - at the forefront of policy making, thus implementing laws catered towards them. 

In her statement, she addressed the issue of a declining population and birth rate, condemning states for pronatalist policies that apply pressure on women to bear the burden of repopulations. To this, she stated how these policies and efforts infringe on women hard earned rights including their sexual and reproductive rights, referencing that article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) are granted to born people. 

Finally, she concluded by urging states to act to alleviate the burden of care work on women, emphasising that care and support are not a matter of private and public life, but rather they are the backbone of society. A vital role that anyone may find themselves in given the circumstances, care work must not be undervalued or underpaid. Instead, states must confront these systemic issues and invest in the tools and policies that promote fair compensation, dignity, and shared responsibility. 

Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) affirms the statements and recommendations brought by the working group on discrimination against women and girls. We further purport that women should be at the centre of policy making as well as sustainable development efforts to reduce gender-based discrimination. As it concerns care work, we urge that states take a feminist-based approach into the distribution of care work, such as one that establishes better pay and working conditions for the women and girls currently working in this sector. 

As per recommendation of the working group, we urge states to ensure that women in care work receive the support they need to effectively carry out these roles, such as resources allocated for their physical and mental health. 

Additionally, we urge states to continue their efforts in various recommended areas related to gender equality, including , inter alia, climate change, the use of sexual violence as a method of war, and the complete abolition of female genital mutilation. 

Finally, we support the notion of fair and equal distribution of care work that pushes for further involvement of men and boys in the field of care work.