ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an introduction to the rapidly growing field of the global movement to transform and reclaim the vision of human rights for women; it is meant to provide but a grand tour or overview of this movement-identifying key issues, moments, accomplishments, and challenges ahead. Some of the most urgent concerns of women's day-to-day existence involve the denial of economic, social, and cultural rights, including access to employment and credit, to adequate food and housing, and to education and health care. Women's rights traditionally have been treated as separate and not taken as seriously by human-rights organizations and governments. Debates about the role of religion and culture emerged in many parts of the Platform for Action in reference to sexuality, reproductive health and rights, inheritance, and adherence to human-rights norms. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) also makes a strong case for the indivisibility of human rights.
