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The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United Nations 1 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 The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United Nations 2 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. The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United Nations 3 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. The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United Nations 4 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. The First Annual Session of Northbridge International School Model United Nations 5 Bibliography Ali, Faiza. Gender Equality at Workplace. PDF. "Economic Possibilities." The World Bank. The World Bank. Web. 15 Jan. 2017. Frogh, Wazhma. "CEDAW Ratification Would Be a Triumph for Afghan Women." TheHill. 03 Feb. 2016. Web. 15 Jan. 2017. 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