NCJ Number
126637
Journal
Response to the Victimization of Women and Children Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 15-20
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Violence and oppression directed against women in developing countries is extensive and is often encouraged or legitimized by religious and cultural beliefs and practices; the United Nations efforts that began in 1948 need to expand if the oppression of women is to end.
Abstract
The two main United Nations initiatives related to this issue are the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1979 United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. However, women experience a variety of forms of oppression. Polygamy, bride-price marriage, and female circumcision are common in Africa. In Senegal, rape victims may be killed by their husbands. Women also experience restrictions in education, property rights, and nutrition. Similarly, Latin American culture is generally male-oriented, although specific actions toward women vary widely from one country to another. India and Sri Lanka are also characterized by widespread exploitation of women. The efforts of the United Nations, governments, and organizations focusing on women's issues, human rights, and health care advocacy will be needed to eliminate the oppression of women. 10 references