DON BOSCO SCHOOL, GUWAHATI MODEL

UNITED NATIONS

UNITED NATIONS WOMEN

BACKGROUND GUIDE

AGENDA: Deliberation on the legal framework

pertaining to participation of women in political
candidacy and governance
 Letter from the Executive Board

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the Simulation of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and
the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) at Model United Nations Don Bosco
school, Guwahati 2024.

We have envisioned this simulation to be one of the most productive and

thoughtful simulations of the committee. For that to be possible, do your research
intensively, make wonderful networks among yourselves and last but not the least,
have fun. We hope all the delegates will learn as well as engage a lot throughout
the sessions.

The agenda of the UN Women Committee is a highly sensitive and relevant issue
and a successful discussion on it would entail the collective participation of all of
you. Our objective, as the executive board of the committee, will be to facilitate
debate as a means to developing a common understanding of how this issue
impacts and affects millions of lives.

Please note that this study guide is not exhaustive and merely provides an overview
of the agenda of the committee. The guide is meant to give our distinguished
delegates a basic idea of the scope and mandate of the discussion. You are
requested to do ample research and prepare yourself thoroughly before the
conference begins.

Submission of Position Paper is highly recommended. Submit your Position Paper

as a hard copy on the first day of the Conference i.e. 30th August.

We wish you good luck and hope that this conference molds you and me as better
individuals for tomorrow. Please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to solve
all your
queries.

Regards,
Ankita Sarmah Bordoloi,
Chairperson

Abhilash Kashyap,
Vice Chairperson

Diptarag Dhar,
Rapporteur
Contents
 Introduction to the committee
 Working of the committee
 Introduction to the agenda
 Definitions of key terms
 Historical Background
 Global Fraemworks
 Specific Issues Pertaining to the Agenda
 Gender Bias Discrimination and stereotypes
 Legal protection and support system
 Delegate‘s Guide
Introduction to the Committee

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, commonly
known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and
women‘s empowerment globally. UN Women was formed in 2010 through the merger of four
pre-existing UN bodies working on gender equality and women‘s issues, namely the Division for
the Advancement of Women (DAW), the International Research and Training Institute for the
Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and
Advancement of Women (OSAGI), and the United Nations Development Fund for Women
(UNIFEM).

The establishment of UN Women can be traced back to various international commitments and
initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality. The idea of creating a single UN entity focused
on women‘s issues gained momentum during the 2005 World Summit when world leaders
recognized the need for a more robust institutional framework to address gender disparities.
Subsequently, in July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly formally established UN
Women through Resolution 64/289.

UN Women plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equality, empowering women
economically, socially, and politically, ending violence against women, and ensuring that women
have equal opportunities in all spheres of life. The committee works towards mainstreaming
gender perspectives into all aspects of UN activities and programs while also supporting
countries in implementing international agreements related to gender equality.

The mandate of UN Women is derived from various international agreements such as the Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
committee has the power to mobilize political will and resources to address global challenges
related to gender inequality, advocate for policy changes at national and international levels,
provide technical assistance to countries in implementing gender-responsive policies, conduct
research on gender issues, and coordinate efforts with other UN agencies working on similar
goals.

Working of the Committee

One of the main focuses of UN Women is to make sure that women are in leadership positions,
actively take part in, and receive equal benefits from governance systems. This includes backing
the involvement of women in political processes and decision-making at every level. UN Women
strives to establish a more inclusive governance system by supporting policies that enhance
women's presence in leadership roles and political positions, ensuring their voices are recognized
and appreciated. This involves offering governments technical assistance in implementing
policies that consider gender and forming partnerships with civil society groups to support
women's rights advocacy.
Another important focus is ensuring that women have a secure source of income, access to good
employment opportunities, and the ability to achieve economic independence.

UN Women aims to reduce the gender pay disparity, tackle job segregation, and guarantee
women's access to good job prospects. This includes working with governments and private
sector organizations to develop policies that encourage fair pay for the same work, back women's
business initiatives, and offer social protection for female employees. UN Women's goal is to
boost women's financial autonomy and decrease poverty levels among women through this
action.

There is also a strong emphasis on guaranteeing that every woman and girl can live without
experiencing any type of violence. UN Women backs efforts to stop violence against women and
girls, offer support to survivors of violence, and enhance legal structures safeguarding women's
rights. This involves collaborating with police forces, court systems, medical professionals, and
local groups to develop a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence. Education
programs are also implemented to alter societal perceptions about violence against women.

Additionally UN Women highlights the significance of women's involvement in creating lasting

peace and strength, especially in areas impacted by conflict. The organization focuses on
incorporating gender perspectives into peacebuilding and ensuring women's participation in
conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery.This involves supporting women‘s participation in
peace negotiations, promoting their leadership in humanitarian responses, and addressing the
specific needs of women affected by conflicts or natural disasters.

Furthermore, UN Women coordinates efforts across the United Nations system to advance
gender equality as part of the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By positioning
gender equality as fundamental to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN
Women ensures that gender considerations are integrated into global development agendas.
Introduction to the Agenda

Despite the increase in the number of women in high political positions, there is still a wide
spread of gender inequality, according to the 2021 edition of the IPU-UN Guide to Women in
Politics. The IPU-UN Women Map provides up-to-date information on women in administrative,
governmental and parliamentary positions as of 1 January 2021. After increasing the proportion
of women in ministerial positions to 21.3%, progress has slowed, rising slightly to 21.9% in
2021. The data also shows that the number of states where there are no women in government is
increasing, breaking the decline of recent years. The concept of representation is at the heart of
modern democracy, which means that the general interests of the people are expressed through
democratically elected representatives. The right to be represented and the right to choose a
representative has become universal and fundamental rights to be constitutionally guaranteed.
However, universal suffrage, introduced progressively, was at first reserved for men. The right to
vote and to stand for all elections was the primary demand of women‘s rights movements
throughout the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. As a result, in most
countries, universal suffrage is provided for women and men. In addition to suffrage the UN
Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination of Women Convention (CEDAW)
defines the rights of women and men to ―participate in the formulation of government policy and
the implementation thereof and to hold public office and perform all public functions at all levels
of government‖.

Studies show higher numbers of women in parliament generally contribute to stronger attention
to women's issues. Women's political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender
equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women's direct engagement in public decision-
making and is a means of ensuring better accountability for women.

Political accountability to women begins with increasing the number of women in decision-
making positions, but it cannot stop there. What is required are gender-sensitive governance
reforms that will make all elected officials more effective at promoting gender equality in public
policy and ensuring their implementation.

One of the pillars of UN Women's work is advancing women's political participation and good
governance, to ensure that decision-making processes are participatory, responsive, equitable and
inclusive. Efforts are focused through strategic entry points that can advance the status of women
by catalyzing wide-ranging, long-term impacts.

Support is provided to equip women to translate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), now ratified by most of the world's governments,
into legal guarantees of gender equality. Another strategy is through working with multiple
stakeholders, like women's organizations, governments, the UN system and the private sector, to
bring more women into government, train women leaders, and boost women's skills to actively
participate in elections as candidates and voters.

As the 2011 UN General Assembly resolution on women‘s political participation notes, ―Women
in every part of the world continue to be largely marginalized from the political sphere, often as a
result of discriminatory laws, practices, attitudes and gender stereotypes, low levels of education,
lack of access to health care and the disproportionate effect of poverty on women.‖ Individual
women have overcome these obstacles with great acclaim, and often to the benefit of society at
large. But for women as a whole, the playing field needs to be level, opening opportunities for
all.

UN Women‘s programs on leadership and participation are guided by a history of international

commitments to women‘s representation. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women upholds women‘s right to participate in public life, while the
Beijing Platform for Action calls for removing barriers to equal participation. The Millennium
Development Goals measure progress towards gender equality in part by the proportion of
women in parliamentary seats.

UN Women advocates for legislative and constitutional reforms to ensure women‘s fair access to
political spheres—as voters, candidates, elected officials, and civil service members. It
collaborates with UN country teams and works with civil society on programs so that elections
uphold women‘s rights, including voting and campaigning free from electoral violence.
Definitions of Key Terms

Legal Framework: A legal framework is a set of rules, ideas, or beliefs that are used to make
decisions or deal with problems. It provides the foundation for how laws are interpreted, applied,
and enforced within a specific context. A legal framework can include constitutional, legislative,
regulatory, jurisprudential, and managerial rules. It can also outline the legal infrastructure,
including relationships with other laws or international agreements.

Participation of Women: The active involvement of women in various aspects of political,

economic, and social life. In political candidacy and governance, it refers to women's ability to
run for office, hold political positions, engage in decision-making processes, and influence
policy and legislation.

Political Candidacy: The process of running for an elected political office. It involves the steps
and activities necessary for individuals to present themselves as candidates, campaign for votes,
and seek election to public office. For women, this includes overcoming specific challenges and
barriers unique to their gender.

Governance: The mechanisms, processes, and institutions through which decisions are made
and authority is exercised in a country or organization. This includes the creation and
enforcement of laws, policies, and regulations. Effective governance ensures accountability,
transparency, and inclusiveness, allowing for diverse participation, including that of women.
Historical Background

Women have long been involved in politics and public life, even before the Nineteenth
Amendment gave them the vote in 1920, but women‘s political activism took a giant leap
forward starting in the 1960s. To be sure, we haven‘t yet had a woman president, but at all other
levels of American political life, women have crafted a strong and vibrant history. Some are
public leaders and elected officials; others supply critical power behind the scenes.

For a long time, politics was defined very traditionally as voting, participating in organized
political parties, and seeking elective office. In a key insight that spawned the field of women‘s
political history, feminist scholars realized that women had in fact played myriad roles in politics
and public life over the entire course of American history, profoundly influencing social
movements, civic life, and the provision of charity and social welfare, among other outcomes.
How did they do this even before they got the vote? By forming voluntary organizations,
lobbying, organizing petition drives, raising money, and participating in a range of activities that
placed them in the thick of public life.

Women also have a strong history in partisan politics, one that — surprisingly, to some —
predates the winning of suffrage in 1920. In 1870, women in Wyoming and Utah territories were
the first to cast ballots in general elections. In other states, women won the right to vote in
municipal elections or for school boards. Women also formed auxiliaries to the major political
parties and joined third parties such as the Populist, Socialist, and Progressive parties.

The drive for woman suffrage, first enunciated at Seneca Falls in 1848, spanned seventy-two
years and drew on three generations of female political activism. Especially in its final stages, it
offered a single issue around which a broad constituency of women could coalesce. Conversely,
when suffrage was won, that unity of purpose disappeared, and women scattered their political
energy into a wide range of causes, not all specifically related to the advancement of women‘s
status.

While the majority of political candidates were men (and that is still true today), intrepid women
did seek and win political office. One of the earliest ways for a woman to enter political life was
through widow‘s succession, an appointment to fill the term of her deceased husband. Some
women merely served out a term, but others, such as Hattie Caraway of Arkansas and Margaret
Chase Smith of Maine, used widow‘s succession as a stepping-stone to launch political careers
of their own. Smith, who for many years was the only woman in the U.S. Senate, even mounted
a serious if ultimately symbolic run for the presidency as a Republican in 1964. Two U.S.
Representatives, Shirley Chisholm of New York and Patsy Mink of Hawaii, followed Smith‘s
footsteps by entering the Democratic primaries in 1972. Mink was the first Asian American to
run for president and Chisholm broke new ground as a female African American candidate.
Spurred in part by the revival of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s, more women sought — and
won — elective office, although the numbers were still fairly small, especially on the national
level. The National Women‘s Political Caucus, founded in 1971, dedicated itself to increasing
women‘s participation at all levels of the political system. Women activists tried to influence
party politics by working within the Democratic and Republican hierarchies but found the major
parties not always welcoming either to women activists or to the issues they brought to the table.
Winning platform support for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights proved
especially fractious, and Republican women who identified as feminists faced a challenging
environment as the party shifted to the right from the 1970s onward. With a focus on electing
women to Congress, Democratic women founded EMILY‘s List (Early Money Is Like Yeast) in
1985 to promote pro-choice candidates, and in 1993 Republican women followed with the Susan
B. Anthony List to support pro-life candidates. Another route to political power was through
appointed office, with women serving in the Cabinet and diplomatic corps as early as the 1930s.
Still, the Supreme Court remained all-male until the appointment of Sandra Day O‘Connor in
1981.

Women politicians in the 1960s and 1970s served as important ambassadors for the expanding
roles for women in American society, whether they were specifically feminist or not.
Representatives like Bella Abzug (New York), Millicent Fenwick (New Jersey), Shirley
Chisholm (New York), Patricia Schroeder (Colorado), and Patsy Mink (Hawaii) worked
effectively to increase women‘s visibility in politics; women governors such as Connecticut‘s
Ella Grasso and Vermont‘s Madeleine Kunin demonstrated prowess on the state level.

An especially important milestone was Geraldine Ferraro‘s selection as Walter Mondale‘s

running mate in the 1984 presidential campaign. She was the first woman nominated by a major
party to its national ticket. The daughter of Italian immigrants who represented a heavily ethnic,
working-class district in Queens, Ferraro energized many female voters; her presence on the
Democratic ticket was widely interpreted as heralding a new era for women in national politics.

One factor behind Ferraro‘s precedent-breaking selection was increased attention to women‘s
political clout at the polls, as represented by the newly christened gender gap, that is, the
difference in men‘s and women‘s voting patterns. After decades of lagging behind, by 1980
women voted in the same proportion as men, which meant there were more female voters to
court than ever before. Women also voted differently, especially on issues involving the use of
force (such as war or foreign interventions) and social justice, a combination that tended to Favor
the Democrats. But on the other side of the gender gap, white men increasingly voted
Republican. In a landslide election such as that of 1984, in which Ronald Reagan won 59 percent
of the popular vote (including a majority of women‘s votes), the gender gap was too small to
function as an independent factor. Politicians have since learned that ignoring women‘s votes is
at their peril.

A new issue — sexual harassment — entered the political arena in 1991 and 1992. During the
Senate confirmation hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas, a conservative black jurist,
to the Supreme Court, Oklahoma law professor Anita Hill accused Thomas of having sexually
harassed her when she worked at the Department of Education and the Equal Opportunity
Employment Commission in the 1980s. Thomas vehemently denied the accusations, and the
country split, not always strictly along race and gender lines, about who to believe. In the end,
Thomas narrowly won confirmation and Hill became a feminist icon for her courage and grace
under pressure.

Besides sparking a national debate on sexual harassment, the hearings fostered a widespread
sense that Congress needed more women in seats of power. Angered at the treatment Hill
received on Capitol Hill and in the national media, a record number of women ran for public
office in 1992, with definite results: Women saw dramatic gains in both houses of Congress, as
well as in state and local elections across the country. The ―Year of the Woman‖ led to the
―Decade of Women,‖ and twenty years later, many of those women had accumulated the
necessary seniority to be major players in politics. Nancy Pelosi‘s ascension to Speaker of the
House of Representatives in 2007 made her the highest-ranking female politician in American
history.

The 1992 election also introduced voters to a woman who would become one of the most
respected but also one of the most deeply polarizing figures in recent American life: Hillary
Rodham Clinton, the wife of presidential candidate Bill Clinton. Clearly not your traditional First
Lady, Hillary Clinton took a leading role in her husband‘s failed healthcare initiative and then
stood by her man when the president was threatened with impeachment in 1998 for lying about
his involvement with a young intern. Hillary Clinton weathered that storm, and, when her
husband left office, she served in the U.S. Senator from New York and set her sights on the
presidency of the United States.
n 2008, the Republican presidential candidate John McCain chose the Alaska governor Sarah
Palin as his running mate. Palin‘s charismatic public persona and conservative fiscal and social
values resonated with Alaskan voters but she, like so many women candidates, had a hard time
convincing the public that she had a legitimate claim to political authority. Hillary Rodham
Clinton faced the same challenge in the Democratic primary. Many feminists rallied around her
candidacy but many others were drawn to Barack Obama‘s vision of hope and change for
America. Gender and race played out in contentious — and not always predictable — ways in
this race. After Obama won the Democratic primary and went on to win the presidency, he
selected Hillary Rodham Clinton as his Secretary of State.
Eight years later, as Obama prepared to leave office, Hillary Rodham Clinton once again
mounted a serious challenge for the presidency and won her bid to be the Democratic party‘s
candidate. However, 2016 would not be the year when the United States joined other countries
from around the world in electing a female leader. Clinton won the popular vote, but Republican
candidate Donald Trump won in the Electoral College. In response to the election results, on the
day after Trump‘s inauguration, there was a Women‘s March in Washington, about 400 sister
marches in localities around the U.S., and marches in 80 other countries. These marches on
January 21, 2017 constitute the largest one-day mass protest in the United States; estimates range
from 2.5 to 5 million marchers.

In November 2020, as the country celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Nineteenth
Amendment and the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the Republican incumbent
President Donald Trump was beaten at the polls and in the Electoral College by Democrat
Joseph Biden and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris, the former Attorney General of
California. Kamala Devi Harris, born in Oakland to a mother from India and a father from
Jamaica, was the second African American woman and first South Asian-American to serve in
the U.S. Senate and is the first woman to be Vice President of the United States. In her victory
speech, Harris stated: ―While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,
because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.‖

Kamala Harris‘s candidacy and her achievement demonstrate that, while the political climate has
changed for the better for many women over the last fifty years, women in politics continue to be
subjected to stereotypes and discrimination that obstruct gender equality. The challenge ahead is
to harness and direct the energy seen in recent elections towards feminism‘s goals of inclusion
and social justice. Like so much else, women‘s roles in public life are an unfinished revolution.

The First Woman's Rights Convention

The convention was convened as planned, and over the two days of discussion, the Declaration
of Sentiments and 12 resolutions received unanimous endorsement, one by one, with a few
amendments. The only resolution that did not pass unanimously was the call for women‘s
enfranchisement. That women should be allowed to vote in elections was almost inconceivable
to many. Lucretia Mott, Stanton‘s longtime friend, had been shocked when Stanton had first
suggested such an idea. And at the convention, heated debate over the women‘s vote filled the
air.

Today, it‘s hard for us to imagine this, isn‘t it? Even the heartfelt pleas of Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, a refined and educated woman of the time, did not move the assembly. Not until
Frederick Douglass, the noted Black abolitionist and rich orator, started to speak, did the uproar
subside. Women, like the slave, he argued, had the right to liberty. ―Suffrage,‖ he asserted, ―is
the power to choose rulers and make laws, and the right by which all others are secured.‖ In the
end, the resolution won enough votes to carry, but by a bare majority.

The Declaration of Sentiments ended on a note of complete realism: ―In entering upon the great
work before us, we anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and
ridicule; but we shall use every instrumentality within our power to affect our object. We shall
employ agents, circulate tracts, petition the State and national Legislatures, and endeavor to
enlist the pulpit and the press on our behalf. We hope this Convention will be followed by a
series of Conventions, embracing every part of the country.‖
Global Framework

Beijing Platform for Action (1995): The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing
marked a significant diplomatic effort, resulting in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action. This document set strategic objectives and actions to enhance women‘s political
participation and address structural barriers. It called for governments to ensure women‘s equal
access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making.

UN Women Executive Board Sessions: Regular sessions of the UN Women Executive

Board bring together representatives from member states to discuss and advance issues related to
women's political participation. These sessions serve as a platform for diplomatic dialogue, the
exchange of best practices, and the formation of strategic partnerships.

Global and Regional Initiatives

Global Gender Equality Forums: Forums such as the Generation Equality Forum, co-hosted
by UN Women and governments of different countries, focus on accelerating progress towards
gender equality, including women's political participation. These forums result in action
coalitions that commit to specific targets and funding for women‘s political empowerment.

African Union (AU) Gender Initiatives: The AU has launched several initiatives aimed at
increasing women's participation in politics across Africa, including the African Women's
Decade (2010-2020), which focused on promoting women's rights and empowerment. The AU
also adopted the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, which commits member
states to gender parity in political representation.

Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements

European Union (EU) Gender Equality Strategy: The EU has implemented a

comprehensive strategy to promote gender equality, including women's political participation.
EU member states are encouraged to adopt measures such as gender quotas and electoral reforms
to increase the number of women in political positions.
Bilateral Agreements for Women‘s Empowerment: Many countries have entered into
bilateral agreements and partnerships to support women's political participation. For example,
the U.S. has partnered with various countries through initiatives like the Women‘s Global
Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP), which includes components aimed at
enhancing women's leadership and political participation.

United Nations Resolutions and Reports

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Subsequent Resolutions: These resolutions

emphasize the importance of women‘s involvement in peace and security and have catalyzed
diplomatic efforts to integrate gender perspectives into political processes globally.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW): The CSW, a principal global

intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of women, holds annual sessions that address women's political participation.
These sessions result in agreed conclusions that provide guidelines and recommendations for
member states.

Diplomatic Dialogues and Advocacy

High-Level Political Dialogues: Countries often engage in high-level dialogues and

consultations to share experiences and strategies for enhancing women's political participation.
These dialogues can lead to the adoption of best practices and the development of collaborative
initiatives.

Advocacy by International Organizations: Organizations like UN Women, the Inter-

Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral
Assistance (IDEA) engage in diplomatic advocacy to promote legal and policy reforms that
support women‘s political participation. They provide technical assistance, conduct research, and
facilitate international cooperation.
Specific issues pertaining to the agenda

a) Socio-cultural barriers: Numerous sociocultural obstacles that are still in place

throughout the world severely limit the ability of women to participate in politics.

 Patriarchal norms and Gender Stereotypes: Women‘s engagement in politics – as voters,

representatives, fundraisers and community mobilisers – is shaped by gender norms in
various ways. The wider patterns of cultural values and priorities, which in turn depend
on religious traditions and economic development, influence how people view proper
gender roles in politics. Secular democracies that are more developed economically are
linked to gender attitudes that are more equal. In its most basic form, gender norms have
historically influenced women's ability to be heard while casting ballots (among other
criteria such as wealth, race, and ethnicity). For generations, women over the world were
denied the fundamental right to vote due to prevailing standards around their household
duties. Women's voices in politics have increased due to norm shifts, which are mirrored
in the complete (formal) worldwide enfranchisement of women now in every nation
having elections (except from the Vatican), with Saudi Arabia being the most recent to do
so in 2015. Norms that influence larger social structures frequently influence women's
capacity to participate politically both inside and outside of the voting booth, especially
as community organizers and elected officials. Facing the fact that women bear the "triple
burden" of reproductive, productive, and community activity is crucial. Gendered societal
norms that support assumptions about women's responsibilities and have an impact on
women's capacity to engage in politics and run for office, in turn, affect this. Women's
political participation in fragile and conflict-affected nations is also receiving a lot of
attention. Women's roles are being given more attention, as evidenced by the recent UN
Security Council and CARE studies conducted as part of the Every Voice Counts
program. However, in the majority of crisis situations, women are still not included in
formal political processes. Women have been instrumental in bringing an end to conflicts
(as in South Sudan and Sierra Leone, for instance), but they are rarely acknowledged in
the political and peacekeeping efforts that follow. This supports studies by various
researchers that assert that although women's movements have contributed to the
overthrow of numerous authoritarian regimes, their success in gaining representation has
decreased once democracy has been established. Women's involvement in "high" and
"grassroots" politics matters, both inside and outside of state and party institutions as can
be seen from a study on Latin America. This is important for more durable political
representation and equality.

 Case Studies
1. Pakistan: Out of the five provinces in Pakistan, Balochistan is the least developed
(Punjab, Sindh, Khaiber Pakhtoon Khuwa and Gilgit Baldistan). Issues like joblessness
 and business activity are widespread. Baloch society is traditional. Balochistani women
find it almost impossible to take part in public campaigns due to the likelihood of being
disowned by their own relatives. It is difficult for women to change their roles because of
the strong conservative influences of tradition and religion. Despite having an abundance
of natural resources, Balochistan's political climate and culture are plagued by a number
of issues, including a high rate of maternal mortality, low rates of female literacy, a
shortage of jobs, and a growing gender divide. Balochistani society and culture rob
women of their rights in all areas of life due to a lack of knowledge about their rights and
a lack of resources. Women in Baloch society are not afforded the same level of freedom
as women in metropolitan Pakistan due to their tribal heritage. But no historical account
demonstrates that Baloch women have ever been denied the right to vote.

2. Ghana: The Ghanaian Constitution of 1992 recognizes women's equality with men in all
areas of life. It is against the Constitutional law to discriminate on the basis of gender,
race, sex, or religion. Nonetheless, women's participation in politics is not encouraged by
Ghanaian cultural norms. Women's current socioeconomic condition and patriarchal
behaviors do nothing to promote women's active engagement in politics. These helped to
explain, at least in part, why women sometimes encounter resistance from males and
other women in their own communities as well as challenges in obtaining higher
education and financial resources. The unequal gender power relations in Ghanaian
society are the cause of the small number of female representatives in positions of
significance in the government. The gender construction of society resulted in the public
space that was previously mainly designated for men. It is possible to see gender as a
socially constructed connection between men and women, influenced by social relations,
culture, conventions, customs, and values. Thus, the process of fostering and influencing
people through social norms, laws, and values as well as the distribution of gendered
tasks or obligations within society is known as gender construction.

b) Institutional mechanism and framework: Although specialized institutions have

been instrumental in advancing gender equality and informing laws, policies, and
programs at the national, regional, and international levels, more work needs to be done
to prevent violence against women. UN Women research indicates that 125 countries
have outlawed domestic violence, while a significant number of countries are yet to
enforce strict laws against all sorts of sexual violences. In order to successfully execute
gender equality in terms of political representation and In order to implement a
mainstreaming strategy, a nation must have robust institutional frameworks and
procedures that ensure that institutions are ready and prepared to advance gender equality
in a coordinated and successful manner. The principles of equality and nondiscrimination
are the cornerstones of women's access to public and political life, and they are upheld by
 the UN Charter, the organization's founding instrument. Additionally, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms everyone's right to non discrimination,
sex-based discrimination included. The International covenant on Economic, Social and
political rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural
Rights (ICESCR) are both important instruments of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR). Article 7 of the 1952 Convention on the Political Rights of Women
restates its contents. A constitution that guarantees women's rights to vote, hold public
office, and participate in public works. Article 8 of the Convention elaborates the right
for women to equally represent their countries at the international level. Several CEDAW
General Recommendations are also very useful in interpreting women‘s rights and the
state‘s obligations in this respect. The CEDAW Committee clarified a set of state
obligations in General Recommendation #23 in order to assure women‘s rights to
political participation. This includes the adoption of general positive measures and
temporary special measures to ensure that women have the right to participate fully in
public policy formulation in senior level positions. Equal involvement of women and
men in political and public decision-making was adopted by the Council of Europe's
Committee of Ministers in March 2003. The document defined balanced representation as
a minimum representation of percent of both sexes in all bodies that make decisions in
public or political life. Among the eight goals that the governments of the participating
states must accomplish are the safeguarding of equal civil and political rights, updating
laws, establishing goals, and empowering women to take part in the making of political
decisions. It also suggests administrative, legislative, other supportive actions and urges
governments to track and assess the progress made in a fair and reasonable manner
involvement.

c) Economic Barriers: The cost of running for political office is prohibitive for women in
many nations. Expenses for advertising, travel, and other campaign-related activities can
add up to significant campaign costs. Since they frequently make less money than males
and have less access to wealth, women find it difficult to raise the money needed to run
competitive campaigns. For instance, research suggests that women candidates in the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) region often face difficulties in
obtaining money, resulting in a reduced representation of women in political posts. In
addition to this financial difficulty, political parties frequently support candidates who
have a track record of success with money, which feeds a vicious cycle that further
marginalizes women in politics because they generally lack these resources. Another
important element affecting women's political representation is access to resources.
Compared to their male colleagues, women frequently lack access to mentorship
opportunities, professional networks, and education. Their capacity to successfully
traverse the political scene may be hampered by this lack of access. Women continue to
 struggle in many areas for equitable access to education, which is necessary for political
participation. The UNDP emphasizes that there is a direct link between women's
underrepresentation in political institutions and gender differences in education and
economic empowerment. Women might not have the self-assurance and professional
development needed to pursue political professions if they do not have enough education
and training. Targeted measures are required to improve women's political representation
and alleviate these economic gaps. The development of policies that support gender
equality in political participation requires collaboration between governments and civil
society organizations. This entails funding female candidates, starting programs that
mentor and empower women, and putting gender-sensitive policies into place inside
political parties. Additionally, challenging societal norms that value male leadership can
be aided by raising public awareness of the significance of women's representation in
politics.

Gender bias discrimination and stereotypes

Gender stereotypes are general views about the characteristics, and roles that women and men
must have or do. It is for this reason that these stereotypes have the most severe and most terrible
effect on the capacity to develop individual abilities of persons, make a choice of a career, or do
anything about their own life. Be it the insulting type (such as age-old "women are irrational") or
the overtly or covertly aggressive type ("women are nurturing"), the above-stated stereotypes
sustain the means of unequal development and thus retard the move to gender equality.
In the politics of the day and administrative services, negative ideas are frequently about women
than men, like "women are not fit for leadership" or "women are too emotional to make tough
decisions." This in turn causes the female gender to be less involved in politics and limits their
ability to perform well. The traditional side of women as caretakers fairly often makes their child
caring duties their only responsibilities, so the fact that personal relations and professional
engagements are becoming common, and in the case of women who wish to enter the political
domain, this seems an impracticable task.
Furthermore, when gender stereotypes engage with other forms of prejudice, they bring about a
disproportionately negative effect on some groups of women, including the minority or
Indigenous, women with disabilities, the lower caste or lower economic class women, and
migrant women. These stereotypes, when layered on top of already-existing problems, block
them from entering politics and governance, thus removing all avenues they could gain from and
have representation in.
Gender stereotyping is the assignment of particular characteristics, attributes, or roles to an
individual based only on her/his gender. This aspect becomes a violation of the human rights and
fundamental freedoms of people, for example, the right to participate in political processes and
governance when people practice it this way. For gender equality to be total, these harmful
stereotypes must be removed and an accommodating environment should be built that
encourages the wholehearted and equal participation of women in political candidacy and
governance.

LEGAL PROTECTION AND SUPPORT SYSTEM

Full legal security and educational system could become a means for women to become equal to
be politicians and leaders. International treaties, such as CEDAW, that require the eradication of
discrimination and the guarantee of women's participation that is not less than men in public life.
National laws have to be in accordance with those to be able to protect women's rights
effectively.
UN Women (UNW) is the main source of progress in the area. UNW works on gender quotas,
women's leadership, and also whether or not crimes against women in politics. At their training,
they teach, train and mentor women to be able to take up jobs in the politics department.
Notably, UNW makes proposals that are given to the government to make the help for the
women with finance and children safe which does not make them leave the work spot.
Concrete legal defenses require things like anti-discrimination laws, gender quotas, and
implementing policy measures aimed at harassment and violence prevention against women. The
trajectory of the minority women, disabled women and those who have a low socio-economic
status is needing to be treated in an equal manner with the others. The policies, which are
inclusive and the assistance, which is just or especially controlled, effectiveness is how these
ladies remove or prevent the blockage of political involvement.
Finally, we can summarize that legal support and special programs assured by various
organizations, UN Women among them, has a direct inclusion on women's policies and really
work toward gender balancing and building women's potential in political candidature and
governance.

Delegate's Complete Guide to Conquering the UNW Committee:

Welcome to the United Nations Women (UNW) Committee!
You‘ve stepped into the arena where the global fight for women‘s rights takes center stage. This
is not just a debate club—it's a simulated battlefield where words are your weapons, alliances are
your shields, and every motion could be the deciding factor in shaping international policy.
Whether you're a seasoned delegate or this is your first Model United Nations (MUN)
experience, this guide is your roadmap to success.
1) Preparing:
1.1) Researching the Topic: Arm Yourself with Knowledge
In the UNW committee, knowledge truly is power. The more informed you are, the better
equipped you‘ll be to argue your position, propose solutions, and respond to other delegates.
1.1.1) Start with the Study Guide
The Study Guide provided by your committee‘s Dais is your starting point. It outlines the topic,
provides background information, and poses key questions to consider. However, don‘t stop
here—consider the Study Guide as a springboard for deeper research.
1.1.2) Delve into Country-Specific Research
Understanding your country‘s stance is critical. Look into your country‘s history with women‘s
rights, current policies, and how they align with the topic at hand. Official government websites,
speeches by your country‘s leaders at the UN, and reports from international organizations like
UN Women can provide valuable insights.
Key Documents to Review:
- National Statements: Look up your country‘s statements from previous UN General Assembly
sessions or other international forums.
- UN Resolutions and Treaties: Identify which international treaties your country has signed or
ratified concerning women‘s rights, such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women).
- NGO Reports: Non-governmental organizations often provide critical analyses of a country‘s
policies and their real-world impact, which can be useful in debates.
1.1.3) Contextual Research: Understanding the Global Landscape:
To be an effective delegate, you need to understand not only your country‘s position but also the
broader global context. Research the issue from multiple perspectives:
- Global Statistics and Reports: Look into global reports from the UN, World Bank, or WHO that
provide statistics and analysis on the issue. Understanding the global scale of the problem will
help you craft more effective and realistic solutions.

- Regional Perspectives: If your topic has a strong regional dimension (e.g., women‘s rights in
the Middle East), make sure to research the specific challenges and dynamics in that region.

- Historical Context: Understanding the historical roots of an issue can provide insight into why
certain problems persist and how they might be resolved.

2) Mastering the Art of Speechwriting: Making Your Voice Heard

Speechwriting is where you can really shine in the UNW committee. A well-crafted speech can
sway opinions, build alliances, and even shape the outcome of the debate.
2.1) Structuring Your Speech: The Blueprint for Persuasion
An effective speech is more than just a collection of facts—it‘s a carefully constructed argument
designed to persuade your audience. Here‘s a breakdown of how to structure your speech:
2.1.1) The Hook: Grab Their Attention
Your opening lines should be compelling. Start with a powerful quote, a surprising statistic, or a
rhetorical question that immediately engages your audience. For example:
- Quote: ―As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‗No one can make you feel inferior without your
consent.‘ Today, we stand here not only to refuse consent to inequality but to demand equity for
all women.‖
- Statistic: ―Did you know that over 130 million girls worldwide are out of school? This is not
just a statistic—it‘s a global crisis.‖
- Rhetorical Question: ―How can we speak of progress when half of the world‘s population is
still fighting for basic human rights?‖

2.1.2) The Body: Build Your Argument

This is where you present your case. Structure your argument around three key points:
-Identify the Problem: Clearly outline the issue at hand, using evidence to support your claims.
For example, if discussing access to education, you might cite specific statistics about literacy
rates or school enrollment figures.

-Present Your Position: Explain your country‘s stance on the issue. Be clear about why your
country holds this position and how it aligns with its broader policies.
-Propose Solutions: Offer concrete, actionable solutions. Focus on what your country can do and
what you expect from other member states. For instance, if your solution involves increasing
funding for women‘s education, specify how much funding is needed and how it could be
allocated.
2.1.3) The Conclusion: Leave a Lasting Impression
End with a strong, memorable statement that reinforces your position and calls your fellow
delegates to action. This could be a call for unity, a reminder of the stakes, or a vision for the
future:
- ―Let us not leave this room until we have crafted a resolution that truly empowers every woman
and girl around the world.‖
- ―The future of gender equality is in our hands—let us seize this moment and make history.‖
2.2) Delivery: Bringing Your Speech to Life
Even the best-written speech can fall flat if delivered poorly. Here‘s how to ensure your delivery
is as strong as your content:
2.2.1) Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to
friends or family. Focus on your pacing, tone, and body language.
2.2.2) Engage with Your Audience
Don‘t just read from your notes. Make eye contact with other delegates, use hand gestures to
emphasize key points, and vary your tone to maintain interest. Speaking with confidence and
passion can make your speech more persuasive.
2.2.3) Adapt on the Fly
Be prepared to adapt your speech based on the flow of the debate. If a point you planned to make
has already been covered, don‘t be afraid to adjust your focus. Flexibility is key in maintaining
relevance and impact.

3) Navigating the Rules of Procedure: Commanding the Room

Knowing the Rules of Procedure inside and out is crucial to navigating the committee
successfully. These rules dictate everything from the flow of debate to how decisions are made.
Here‘s how to master them:
3.1) UNA-USA Rules of Procedure: The Fast-Paced Arena
The UNA-USA Rules of Procedure are designed for dynamic and competitive debate. Here‘s
how to make the most of them:
3.1.1) Getting on the General Speakers‘ List:
The Speakers‘ List is the backbone of the debate. As soon as the list opens, raise your placard to
get on it. This is your opportunity to address the entire committee and set the tone for your
country‘s position. Use this time to outline your key arguments and propose solutions.

3.1.2) Mastering Points and Motions:

Points and motions are your tools for steering the debate. Here‘s how to use them effectively:
- Point of Order: Use this if you believe there‘s been a procedural error. For example, if a
delegate violates speaking time, you can raise a Point of Order to correct it.
- Point of Personal Privilege: If something is affecting your ability to participate (e.g., you can‘t
hear the speaker), use this point to request a change.
- Motion for a Moderated Caucus: If you want to focus the debate on a specific issue, propose a
moderated caucus with a set speaking time and topic. This can help direct the discussion toward
areas where you want to see progress.
- Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus: Propose an unmoderated caucus when you need time to
negotiate informally, draft resolutions, or build alliances. This is where much of the behind-the-
scenes work happens.
3.1.3) Voting Procedures: Securing Your Resolution
Understanding the voting procedures is key to getting your resolution passed. Here‘s what to
consider:
- Simple Majority and Special Majority: Know whether your motion requires a simple majority
or a two-thirds majority to pass. This will influence how you lobby other delegates.
- Roll-Call Voting: If the vote is close, a roll-call vote can give you a chance to persuade
wavering delegates to support your position. This is especially useful in tight scenarios where
every vote counts.

3.2) UN4MUN Rules of Procedure: The Diplomat‘s Playground

The UN4MUN Rules of Procedure are designed to mimic the actual procedures used by the
United Nations. Here‘s how to navigate this more diplomatic style:
3.2.1) Focus on Consensus Building
In UN4MUN, the goal is to reach a consensus rather than just winning a vote. This means you‘ll
need to work closely with other delegates to find common ground. Be prepared to make
concessions and to negotiate behind the scenes to secure support for your proposals.
3.2.2.) Use Informal Consultations Wisely
Informal consultations are where much of the real work gets done in UN4MUN. These sessions
allow you to discuss issues more freely and to draft resolutions with input from multiple
delegates. Be proactive in these consultations—take the lead in drafting documents, propose
compromises, and build coalitions.
3.2.3) Role of the Chair: A Guide, Not an Enforcer
The Chair in UN4MUN plays a more active role in guiding the debate and fostering consensus.
Don‘t hesitate to seek their guidance if you‘re unsure about procedure or need help navigating a
difficult negotiation. The Chair is there to facilitate the process, not just to enforce rules.

4) Crafting Working Papers, Resolutions, and Committee Reports: The Blueprint for Action
In the UNW committee, your ideas need to be translated into concrete documents that the
committee can act upon. Here‘s how to draft working papers, resolutions, and committee reports
that make an impact:
4.1) Working Papers: The First Draft of History
Working papers are informal documents that outline your ideas and proposals. They‘re not
binding, but they‘re the first step in getting your ideas on the table.
4.1.1) Keep It Concise
Working papers should be brief and to the point. Focus on the key issues you want to address
and propose clear, actionable solutions. Avoid jargon and overly complex language—clarity is
key.
4.1.2) Collaborate with Other Delegates
Working papers are often drafted by multiple delegates working together. Reach out to other
countries with similar positions and collaborate on drafting a paper. This not only pools
resources and ideas but also builds alliances that can support your proposals later.

4.2) Drafting Resolutions: Turning Ideas into Action

A resolution is the formal document that the committee votes on. It‘s the end goal of all your
debates and negotiations.
4.2.1) Structure of a Resolution
Resolutions have a specific structure that you need to follow:
- Preambulatory Clauses: These set the context for your resolution. They reference previous UN
resolutions, treaties, or statements that are relevant to the issue. They also outline the problem
your resolution seeks to address.
- Operative Clauses: These are the meat of your resolution. They outline the actions the
committee is recommending or demanding. Be specific and actionable—vague or unrealistic
clauses are less likely to be supported.
4.2.2) Building Support
Before you introduce your draft resolution, you need to secure sponsors and signatories.
Sponsors are countries that have actively contributed to the draft and fully support it, while
signatories are those who may not fully agree with it but believe it should be debated. Building
broad support before introducing your resolution increases its chances of passing.
4.2.3) Defending Your Resolution
Once your resolution is introduced, be prepared to defend it during debate. Address any
criticisms head-on, propose amendments if necessary, and work to build consensus. Remember,
in UN4MUN, the goal is to achieve consensus, so be flexible and willing to make changes to
secure broader support.
4.3) Writing Committee Reports: Documenting the Journey
A committee report is a comprehensive document that outlines the discussions, resolutions, and
actions taken by the committee. It‘s less formal than a resolution but still an important part of the
committee‘s work.
4.3.1) Summarize the Debate
The report should begin with a summary of the debate, highlighting the key issues discussed and
the positions of different countries. This provides context for the resolutions that follow.
4.3.2) Detail the Resolutions
Include a detailed account of each resolution that was passed, including the text of the resolution
and the vote count. If any resolutions were particularly contentious, explain the reasons for
opposition and how compromises were reached.
4.3.3) Reflect on the Process
Finally, include a section that reflects on the committee‘s work as a whole. What were the major
achievements? What challenges were faced? How did the committee overcome them? This
section can provide valuable insights for future sessions.

5) Conclusion: Your Path to Success in the UNW Committee

With this guide in hand, you‘re now equipped to navigate the complexities of the UNW
committee with confidence. Whether it‘s crafting persuasive speeches, mastering the Rules of
Procedure, or drafting impactful resolutions, you have the tools you need to succeed. Remember,
the key to thriving in the UNW committee is preparation, diplomacy, and a willingness to engage
with others.
Go forth, delegate, and make your mark on the (model) world stage. The future of gender
equality is in your hands—seize the moment and lead the way!

Evidence or proof acceptable in the committee:

1. UN documents and reports:All UN Reports are considered credible information for this
simulation. Examples-
-http://www.un.org/
- http://www.un.org/press (UN Press Briefings)
- http://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter (UN Charter)
- www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/international
2. NGO and civil society reports, examples:
- http://www.amnesty.org/ (Amnesty International)
- http://www.hrw.org/ (Human Rights Watch)
- Reports and advocacy materials from non-governmental organizations.
3. Government reports and policies:These reports can be used similarly to the State Operated
News Agencies reports and can, in all circumstances, be denied by another country. However, a
report denied by a certain country can still be accepted by the Executive Board as credible
information. Examples:
- http://www.gpo.gov/ (US Government Publishing Office)
- https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/(PRC ministry of foreign affairs)
4. News articles:Any news article that unambiguously makes mention of the fact stated or is in
contradiction of the fact being stated by another delegate in the council can be used to
substantiate arguments in the committee.These reports can be used to support or against the State
that owns the News Agency. They however, can be denied by any other country in the council.
Examples:
- http://www.bbc.com/ (BBC News)
- http://www.aljazeera.com/ (Al Jazeera)
- http://www.nytimes.com/ (The New York Times)
- https://english.cctv.com/ (CCTV)

References for further research:

https://www.undp.org/publications/strengthening-womens-political-participation-snapshot-undp-
supported-projects-across-globe
https://www.accord.org.za/analysis/womens-participation-in-2024s-electoral-politics-in-africa/
https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2023/03/women-in-politics-2023-womens-
participation-in-politics-is-still-far-from-equality
https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/focus-areas/governance/political-participation-of-women
https://www.womenlobby.org/Women-in-Politics-507?lang=en
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2019/608864/IPOL_STU(2019)608864_
EN.pdf
https://www.undp.org/blog/we-must-dismantle-barriers-womens-political-participation-heres-why
https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/publication/Chapter3.htm
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000158468?posInSet=1&queryId=44810f1a-ce6e-
449e-b877-063f6b17ef53
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000114540?posInSet=2&queryId=44810f1a-ce6e-
449e-b877-063f6b17ef53