Equality for women: a handbook for NHRIs on economic, social and cultural rights

Like all standards and aspirations, women's economic, social and cultural rights ultimately depend on the ability to enforce them.This handbook is intended as a specific tool for national human rights institutions to enhance their work in protecting and promoting women’s equality through economic, social and cultural rights. It is primarily for staff and members of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) including Human Rights Commissions, Ombudsman offices, public defenders and public protection offices; as well as international, regional and national associations of national human rights institutions. [adapted from the authors]

The handbook is made up of six modules providing information, tools and case studies to aid in the protection and promotion of women’s equality through economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights.

Modules look at:

• positioning the issues
• equality, development, and rights – making the connections
• the legal framework
• organising NHRIs to achieve women’s ESC rights
• the protection mandate – complaints handling, investigation and monitoring
• the promotion mandate – advice, advocacy and education