Organizers of the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) faced scrutiny this week regarding the exclusion of women with disabilities from the event. Ana Peláez Narváez, a member of the CEDAW Committee and the first woman with a disability elected to the committee, raised this critical issue during the Women with Disabilities talanoa session, emphasizing that such exclusion prevents equal participation.
“This is not an equal participation,” Narváez stated, highlighting that for the first time, women with disabilities were present at this event, but their involvement should not be limited to just a few sessions. She emphasized the need for inclusivity and diversity, advocating for the full participation of women with disabilities in all aspects of the Technical Cooperation Session.
Sainimili Tawake, Chief Executive of the Pacific Disability Forum, echoed Narváez’s sentiments, calling on the CEDAW Committee to mandate the governments of Fiji, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands to expedite the submission of their reports under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tawake urged the committee to take concrete actions towards ensuring inclusive governance and equitable access to justice for women with disabilities.
The experiences shared by the panelists from Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands highlighted the persistent challenges they face, as well as their strength, resilience, and leadership within their communities. They painted a stark picture of the systematic exclusion of women with disabilities from key areas such as education, healthcare, and political decision-making processes.
This session is particularly significant as it marks the first time the CEDAW Committee has convened outside of Geneva, showcasing the Pacific region’s commitment to addressing gender equality and the rights of women, including marginalized groups like women with disabilities. The involvement of various stakeholders illustrates a collective effort to promote awareness and action towards achieving gender equity.
With hopes for continued dialogue and concrete steps forward, the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session has the potential to catalyze meaningful changes for all women and girls in the region. The engagement of women with disabilities in this vital process symbolizes a promising beginning towards a more inclusive future, one that champions the rights and dignities of every individual. This event could pave the way for further progress in advocating for women’s rights and enhancing their presence in decision-making processes across the Pacific.
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