Summary

The Convention on the Political Rights of Women (CPRW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1953. The convention establishes equal political rights for men and women and commits member states to eliminate gender discrimination and aligns with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirm the right of all individuals to participate in public and political life.

Rooted in the global movement for women's suffrage, which gained momentum in the 19th century, the CPRW reflects efforts to secure voting rights for women worldwide. At the UN’s founding in 1945, over half of its member nations restricted women’s voting rights. The Commission on the Status of Women drafted the CPRW as part of broader efforts to advance gender equality, later expanded by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

While women’s voting rights are now legally recognized in most countries, practical barriers persist, including lack of documentation, gender stereotypes, limited resources, and societal roles. Women also face challenges in political participation due to restrictive party structures, high campaign costs, and the dual burden of work and family. Despite progress, gender disparities in governance and political representation remain significant.

Source: United Nations (Document Source)

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