Date: Mon Oct 09 2006 - 09:31:30 AST
WUNRN
http://www.wunrn.com
http://www.womenlobby.org/site/1abstract.asp?DocID=300&v1ID=&RevID=&namePage
=&pageParent=&DocID_sousmenu=&parentCat=20
European Women's Lobby - Women and Multiple Discrimination
Women are very often exposed to double or multiple discrimination, as
women and due to their ethnic origin, their religion or belief, their
disability, their age and/or their sexual orientation (for concrete exemples
click here). Therefore, any measure aiming at tackling discrimination on a
given ground should integrate the gender dimension, i.e. take into
consideration the specific needs of women.The concept of multiple
discrimination has grown in importance with the entry into force of the
Amsterdam Treaty and the implementation of the anti-discrimination clause
(article 13).The European Union has initiated a new policy for the fight
against all forms of discrimination. Is gender discrimination fully taken
into account?
Examples of double/multiple discrimination faced by Women:
Young womensuffer double discrimination on the employment market, in
particular when trying to accessdecision-making positions. As young persons,
they are not trusted to have the credibility, seriousness & knowledge
requested to assume the responsibilities of a decision-making position. The
discrimination on the ground of age adding to the structural gender
discrimination increase the vulnerability of young women. A black young
woman faces triple discrimination (just think of how many young black women
in decision-making position you have ever met and this is not just a
coincidence).
Lesbians are discriminated at hiring, dismissal, promotion, training,
working conditions etc. The discrimination on the ground of sexual
orientation added to the structural gender discrimination puts lesbian women
in an even more vulnerable position. What about a young lesbian?
Migrant women often find themselves particularly vulnerable when they are
victims “as women” of domestic violence. Their rights (in terms of social
security or even civil rights, residence permits for example) are often
derived from those of their husbands and the precariousness of their
situation prevents them to escape or denounce violence Racial prejudice and
sexism added to each other make migrant women’s position on the labour
market more difficult in terms of promotion, training, harassment etc.
Women and girls with disabilities are even more likely to be victims of
violence because of their vulnerability. The right of disabled girls and
women to live in freedom and safety should be fully recognized. Control of
their own body should be guaranteed for disabled women, to protect them
against physical, psychological and sexual violence. This is very important
particularly for disabled women who have to stay in hospitals,
rehabilitation and other institutions, and those who are unable to represent
themselves.
Links to related sites
a.. European Commission 'Fundamental Rights and antidiscrimination'
