Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)-(Part I) Ending discrimination against women |30 May 2011

The report covers progress made in Seychelles towards achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Convention from 1993 to 2009. The draft report is now on display at the National Library and on the Gender Secretariat’s website (www.genderseychelles.gov.sc) for public review from today (May 30) until June 11.

Part I of the Convention includes definitions and obligations on discrimination, state obligations towards promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, challenging gender stereotyping and bringing an end to human trafficking and prostitution.

This article is the first of a series of four articles giving a brief introduction to Seychelles’s report on CEDAW.

The Seychelles Constitution and laws have been reviewed and found to comply on the whole with CEDAW and other major human rights treaties. The Seychelles Constitution guarantees 25 rights and freedoms to both men and women, however it does not explicitly refer to discrimination against women or define discrimination against women (incl. Gender Based Violence) as required by CEDAW.

The Government is planning on strengthening laws on domestic violence. Other areas requiring strengthening are in human trafficking and prostitution. In 2008, Government launched its first National Strategy on Domestic Violence and in 2010 launched the National Plan of Action on Gender Based Violence.

Many changes have been made to the Laws of Seychelles since 1993 which have provided better protection to women and children. These include the creation of the Family Tribunal for maintenance, custody and family violence cases; increased paid maternity leave and protection of working mothers, recognition of rape between married/unmarried couples; provision of abortions for women pregnant as a result of rape, incest or defilement and in cases of medical necessity; and laws and codes to protect against harassment in the public service, including sexual harassment.

As we are all aware prostitution has emerged as a new social ill plaguing our country and many families in recent years. Seychelles is party to a number of human rights treaties that condemn all forms of trafficking and prostitution, which is identified as a form of exploitation of women by CEDAW. It is important that Government and its partners take steps to address these newly emerging social ills and protect women and girls from these growing threats.

If you are interested in finding out more about the public review, visit the National Library or visit the website www.genderseychelles.gov.sc for a copy of the draft report from today (May 30) until June 11. Comments should be forwarded to the Gender Secretariat, Ministry of Social Development and Culture, Victoria House, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

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