Commission on the Status of Women

Eliminating Gender-Based Discrimination and Harmful Practices Affecting Women and Girls Under the Pretext of Religion or Tradition

Harmful traditional and cultural practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and honor crimes, continue to restrict the rights and bodily autonomy of women and girls worldwide. Frequently, these practices are justified under the guise of religious heritage or traditional custom, creating significant obstacles for legislative and cultural reform. The Commission will address legal frameworks, educational programs, and socio-economic empowerment policies to dismantle these practices while respecting cultural diversity, ensuring human rights take absolute precedence.