Gender and rights-based approaches

Gender equality

Gender equality entails the concept that all human beings, both men and women, are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles, or prejudices. Gender equality means that the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued and favoured equally. It does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. (ABC of women worker's rights and gender equality. Geneva: ILO, 2000) (Source: UN-INSTRAW)

Human rights

Human rights are universal legal guarantees protecting individuals and groups against actions and omissions that interfere with fundamental freedoms, entitlements and human dignity. Human rights law obliges Governments (principally) and other duty-bearers to do certain things and prevents them from doing others. (Source: Frequently Asked Questions on a Humn Rights-Based Approach to Development Cooperation. Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, 2006)

Human rights-based approach

A human rights-based approach is a conceptual framework for the process of human development that is normatively based on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights. It seeks to analyse inequalities which lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress. (Source: Frequently Asked Questions on a Humn Rights-Based Approach to Development Cooperation. Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, 2006)