Introduction

Despite significant advancements, women's rights remain a critical and often contested area within the framework of international law. While universal human rights instruments unequivocally apply to all individuals, historical and ongoing gender inequalities necessitate specific legal protections and mechanisms to address systemic discrimination and violence faced by women and girls worldwide. Understanding these specialized international legal norms, their evolution, and their practical application is paramount for advocates, legal professionals, and policymakers striving to achieve substantive equality. From challenging discriminatory national laws to holding states accountable for human rights violations, a robust grasp of women's rights in international law empowers actors to leverage global standards for local impact and drive transformative change. This essential training course focuses on Women’s Rights in International Law, equipping participants to champion equality through legal action.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip legal practitioners, human rights defenders, government officials, civil society organizations, academics, and students with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to utilize international law for the advancement of women's rights. Participants will gain a deep understanding of core treaties like CEDAW, explore regional instruments, and analyze the jurisprudence of international and regional human rights bodies. The course will delve into topics such as the concept of discrimination against women, gender-based violence as a human rights violation, women’s economic and political rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and strategies for international advocacy and litigation. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Women’s Rights in International Law, participants will be empowered to strengthen legal protections, advocate for policy reforms, and contribute to a world where all women can enjoy their full human rights.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Lawyers and Legal Professionals
• Human Rights Advocates and Defenders
• Government Officials (Foreign Affairs, Justice, Gender Ministries)
• Civil Society Organizations focusing on Women's Rights and Human Rights
• Academics and Researchers in International Law and Gender Studies
• UN Agency Staff and International Organization Personnel
• Legal Aid Providers
• Students of Law, International Relations, and Gender Studies
• Journalists and Media Professionals covering human rights issues
• Policy Makers interested in international legal obligations

Course Objectives

• Understand the foundational principles and sources of international human rights law relevant to women.
• Comprehend the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as the cornerstone of women's human rights.
• Analyze the concept of discrimination against women in its various forms (direct, indirect, systemic, intersectional).
• Learn about gender-based violence (GBV) as a violation of women's human rights under international law.
• Explore international legal standards related to women's economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights.
• Acquire knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in international human rights frameworks.
• Understand the roles and functions of international and regional human rights mechanisms in promoting women's rights.
• Develop skills in using international legal instruments for national-level advocacy and litigation.
• Examine successful case studies and landmark judgments in women's human rights.
• Develop a practical action plan for applying international women's rights law in their specific work context.
• Enhance advocacy and reporting skills to international human rights bodies.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Women's Rights as Human Rights

• Historical context of women's rights in international law.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its relevance.
• The concept of indivisibility and interdependence of human rights for women.
• Differentiating between formal and substantive equality in practice.
• Feminist critiques of international law and the evolution of women's human rights.

Module 2: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

• Overview of CEDAW: history, structure, and core obligations of State Parties.
• Defining "discrimination against women" under CEDAW Article 1.
• Key substantive articles of CEDAW (e.g., political life, education, employment, health).
• The role of the CEDAW Committee and its General Recommendations.
• Understanding the Optional Protocol to CEDAW: inquiry and communication procedures.

Module 3: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in International Law

• International legal prohibition of GBV: sources beyond CEDAW (e.g., ICCPR, CAT).
• The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.
• State responsibility for preventing, investigating, prosecuting, and punishing GBV.
• Sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict and international criminal law.
• Legal frameworks for addressing harmful practices (e.g., FGM, child marriage).

Module 4: Economic and Social Rights of Women

• Women's right to work, equal pay, and non-discrimination in employment.
• Rights to social security, health, and education under international treaties.
• Women's land and property rights, and access to resources.
• The gender dimensions of poverty and international economic law.
• Implementing economic and social rights for women: challenges and opportunities.

Module 5: Political and Civil Rights of Women

• Women's right to political participation, including voting and holding public office.
• Freedom of expression, assembly, and association for women.
• Rights to nationality, legal personality, and freedom of movement.
• Access to justice and fair trial rights for women in legal proceedings.
• Protecting women human rights defenders.

Module 6: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in International Law

• International legal recognition of SRHR as human rights.
• Access to comprehensive sexuality education and family planning.
• Maternal health and safe abortion in human rights jurisprudence.
• Addressing forced sterilization, forced abortion, and other reproductive abuses.
• The role of states in ensuring access to SRHR information and services without discrimination.

Module 7: International and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms

• Role of the UN Human Rights Council and Special Procedures (e.g., Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women).
• The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and its use for women's rights.
• Regional human rights systems (e.g., African human rights system, Inter-American system, European system) and their women's rights jurisprudence.
• Utilizing Treaty Body complaints mechanisms beyond CEDAW.
• Engaging with international criminal courts and tribunals on gender-related crimes.

Module 8: Strategic Litigation and Advocacy for Women's Rights

• Using international human rights standards in national courts.
• Drafting shadow/alternative reports to CEDAW and other treaty bodies.
• Engaging with international and regional human rights bodies for advocacy.
• Case preparation and argumentation for international women's rights litigation.
• Building national coalitions and networks for legal reform and advocacy.

Module 9: Current Challenges and Emerging Issues

• The rise of anti-gender movements and pushback on women's rights.
• Women's rights in humanitarian crises and conflict situations.
• The impact of climate change on women's human rights.
• Digital rights and online gender-based violence.
• Intersectionality and advocating for the rights of all women, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and women with disabilities.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training