Womens Social and cultural rights

Pervasive gender stereotyping, whether in the media, in the community or in discourses by public officials, was highlighted as an impediment to women’s development. The pervasive culture of denigrating and marginalizing women’s perspectives, concerns and also their identity was an issue that was raised by several interlocutors. Concerns were also raised about the resulting impact on the social standing of women. According to official data, between 2011 and 2012 the number of cases involving insult to the modesty of women increased by 7 per cent.In 1986, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act was enacted to prohibit indecent representation in advertisements, publications, writings and paintings or in any other manner. New amendments have been proposed to include new forms of communication, to strengthen penalties and to provide for preventive measures. No official information was shared as to accountability measures to address the continuing occurrence of such stereotyping by either State or non-State actors.

Effective implementation of legislation is dependent on the cultural and social
norms that exist in a society. Women’s role in participating and shaping such norms is essential, but is dependent on whether gender equality is the dominant culture and whether the status of women allows for their effective participation. As indicated above, women’s participation in shaping the culture of equality is restricted by the dominant patriarchal culture that is deeply entrenched and pervasive.

Many interlocutors also pointed to the denial of the rights to social goods such as education, health and social benefits as a barrier to the fulfillment of the rights necessary for a life of dignity.