Introduction

The pursuit of gender equality is inextricably linked to the framework of human rights law. While fundamental human rights are universal, women and gender-diverse individuals worldwide continue to face systemic discrimination, violence, and exclusion rooted in deeply entrenched gender norms and power imbalances. Understanding how international and national legal instruments protect and advance gender equality is crucial for advocates, policymakers, and legal professionals committed to dismantling these barriers. By leveraging the power of law, we can establish frameworks for accountability, ensure access to justice, and drive transformative change towards a society where all individuals can exercise their rights fully and without discrimination. This essential training course focuses on Human Rights and Gender Equality Law, equipping participants to champion legal reform and enforce rights.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip legal professionals, human rights advocates, policymakers, and development practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between human rights and gender equality law. Over five days, participants will delve into key international human rights instruments, explore their application to gender-specific issues, and analyze challenges and opportunities for legal reform. The course will cover topics such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), legal protections against gender-based violence, property rights, economic rights, and the role of national legal systems in upholding gender equality. By mastering the principles and practicalities of human rights and gender equality law, participants will be empowered to advocate for legal reforms, strengthen judicial accountability, and ensure that legal frameworks serve as powerful tools for achieving substantive gender equality.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Lawyers and Legal Professionals
• Human Rights Advocates and Activists
• Government Officials (Justice, Human Rights, Gender Ministries)
• Civil Society Organizations focusing on women's rights and human rights
• Judges and Magistrates
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Researchers and Academics in Law and Gender Studies
• International Development Practitioners
• Public Prosecutors
• Policy Makers

Course Objectives

• Understand the foundational principles of international human rights law.
• Comprehend the significance and application of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
• Analyze how human rights principles apply to various dimensions of gender equality.
• Learn about legal frameworks for preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV).
• Explore legal aspects of women's economic, social, and cultural rights.
• Understand the role of national legal systems in upholding gender equality and non-discrimination.
• Identify opportunities for legal reform and advocacy to advance women's rights.
• Examine the functions of human rights mechanisms and accountability bodies.
• Discuss challenges in the implementation and enforcement of gender equality law.
• Develop an action plan for applying human rights and gender equality legal principles in their work.
• Enhance skills in legal analysis and argumentation for gender justice.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of International Human Rights Law

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its relevance to gender.
• Core international human rights treaties (ICCPR, ICESCR, CRC, CRPD).
• Principles of universality, indivisibility, interdependence of human rights.
• State obligations: respect, protect, fulfill.
• Non-discrimination and equality as fundamental human rights principles.

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

• History and purpose of CEDAW: the "International Bill of Rights for Women."
• Key articles of CEDAW and their obligations (e.g., political, economic, social, cultural rights).
• Understanding substantive equality and temporary special measures.
• The role of the CEDAW Committee and reporting mechanisms.
• General Recommendations: authoritative interpretations of CEDAW.

Module 3: Legal Frameworks for Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• International standards on preventing and responding to GBV (e.g., Vienna Declaration, Beijing Platform, relevant UN Resolutions).
• Criminalization of various forms of GBV (sexual violence, domestic violence, FGM, child marriage).
• Protection orders and legal remedies for survivors.
• Role of law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing GBV.
• Challenges in prosecuting GBV and ensuring survivor access to justice.

Module 4: Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Gender Equality

• Women's right to work and equal pay (ILO conventions).
• Property and inheritance rights for women.
• Access to education, health, and social security from a gender perspective.
• Legal protections for unpaid care work and informal sector workers.
• Challenging discriminatory economic laws and practices.

Module 5: Political, Civil, and Nationality Rights

• Women's right to participate in public and political life.
• Legal frameworks for gender quotas and temporary special measures in politics.
• Freedom of expression, assembly, and association for women.
• Nationality rights: preventing statelessness and ensuring equal rights in marriage.
• Protecting women human rights defenders.

Module 6: Access to Justice for Women and Girls

• Barriers to justice for women: formal, informal, and systemic.
• Legal aid services and pro bono initiatives for women.
• Gender-sensitive judicial processes and legal education.
• Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms with a gender lens.
• Strengthening accountability for human rights violations against women.

Module 7: National Legal Systems and Constitutional Guarantees

• Constitutional provisions on gender equality and non-discrimination.
• Role of national legislation in implementing international human rights standards.
• Judicial interpretation of gender equality laws.
• Challenges in harmonization of statutory, customary, and religious laws.
• Public interest litigation and strategic litigation for women's rights.

Module 8: Monitoring, Reporting, and Advocacy for Gender Equality Law

• Engaging with UN human rights treaty bodies (CEDAW, UPR).
• Shadow reporting by civil society organizations.
• Using human rights data for legal advocacy and reform.
• Building legal literacy among women and communities.
• Strengthening collaboration between legal practitioners and gender advocates.

Module 9: Emerging Issues and Future of Gender Equality Law

• Legal challenges in the digital age: online GBV, data privacy, AI bias.
• Intersectionality in legal analysis and advocacy.
• Climate change and human rights: gendered impacts and legal responses.
• The role of regional human rights mechanisms in advancing gender equality.
• Developing a personal roadmap for contributing to gender equality through law.

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