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The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United
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Research Report
Assembly: General Assembly 2: Economic and Financial Cultural Committee
Topic: The Question of equitable economic empowerment of women
Student Officer Name: Sarina A. Peterson
Position: Deputy Chair
Introduction
In today's world, women's economic empowerment is argued to be one of the
fundamentals to sustainable development and holistic growth. Years of efforts in the
scientific and political fields have proven that women in the workforce increase
productivity and provide many other benefits to the society. However, there is a
dissent on whether the economic disadvantages of women are due to implicit
discrimination or lifestyle choices. Despite the dissent, there are definite societal
causes behind both possibilities.
Definition of Key Terms
Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap is the difference between male and female earnings in the same
occupation, often expressed as a percentage.
Implicit Discrimination
Discrimination against a certain minority without the discriminator being aware of
their prejudice.
Systemic Discrimination
Refers to laws or behaviors a society practices that perpetuate discriminatory
behaviors or handicaps for minorities.
Glass Ceiling
Refers to an invisible barrier, mostly used for women, for certain minorities in
economic progression.
Economic Marginalization
Act of treating a minority such that they are earn significantly less than (and often do
not have access to the benefits of) their more privileged peers
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LEDCs
An acronym for Less Economically Developed Countries, the term refers to countries
who have a lower GDP and a lower standard of living than Middle-Income countries.
Background Information
Gender equity in the workforce has been proven by many studies to improve
performance, raise agricultural productivity, increase household income, and raise
better-educated children. With the increase of the gender wage gap, income per
household decreases. Statistics have shown a definite correlation between economic
opportunities that women receive and a country's GDP. Women often must leave their
jobs when approaching their early motherhood, only to return to the job market many
years later. This may play a role in the economic disadvantages that women
experience. Women's rights exist as a platform to increase female economic
participation and lessen the necessity of an entire exit from the job market. Women
rights movements are changing social norms and enabling the continuation of work
despite pregnancy and other factors. Additionally, some countries do not permit
female workers in positions of power at all. It is not uncommon for LEDCs and
Middle-Income Countries to forbid or to make it difficult that women receive
education beyond a certain extent.
Major Countries and Organizations Involved
UNWOMEN
UNWOMEN is an organization that focuses on the treatment and empowerment of
women both inside and outside of the economic field.
UNDP
The UNDP, or the United Nations Development Program, is a program focused on the
advancement of LEDCs. In their work, they have helped both men and women in
low-paying jobs and have helped them to gain better access to education and jobs.
UNFPA
The United Nations Population Fund is a program that focuses on the reproductive
health of women in LEDCs. By extension, they make issues related to female health,
such as surgeries, more affordable and easier to access.
ILO
The International Labor Organization is an NGO dedicated to creating jobs and
opportunities for all disadvantaged and impoverished peoples in LEDCs.
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Timeline of Events
Date
Description of Event
Oct 24, 1945
The first UN Charter outlines that its purpose is to encourage
"fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex,
language, or religion."
June 21, 1946 ECOSOC establishes the Commission on the Status of Women as
the first intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to gender
equality and female empowerment.
Dec 10, 1948 The UDHR is established.
Dec 18, 1979 The Women's Bill of Rights, or CEDAW, is introduced.
Sep 5, 1994
At the International Conference on Population and Development, the
global community reaffirms that women's rights are key to global
development.
Relevant UN Treaties and Events
 CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women)
 Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality and
Empower All Women and Girls
 Convention on the Political Rights of Women
 Financing for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, held in Oslo
from September 4-7, 2007
 Memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Republic of
Indonesia and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt concerning
cooperation in the field of population, family planning, reproductive health
and women empowerment programs
Previous Attempts to solve the issue
Many attempts to solve the issue of economic disempowerment of women have been
made, but none have succeeded fully in solving the problem. However, small
successes have been found in different areas of the issue. CEDAW has so far been the
most successful, with there being only 6 UN member states that have not ratified or
acceded to the convention. Since passing in the UN General Assembly, it has been
used by activist groups to lobby for the instatement of new laws.
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Possible Solutions
Due to the fact that a solution needs to work on a worldwide level, sanctions and
deliberate affirmative action would be ideal for ensuring the economic empowerment
of women. The chair advises delegates to keep in mind a global view of the world as
one decides how to bring economic equity to the world. Additionally, introducing a
clause to include legislation that encourages transparency in wages may be ideal for
economic equity.
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