Want To Rate Your Government? Just Look at Women's Rights

How Women Are Treated Is a Bellwether for Authoritarianism


Macarena Sáez
Executive Director, Women's Rights Division
@msaez_torres

Excerpt: If a government recognizes press freedom and freedom of expression, women can speak out against rights abuses. Women are more likely to seek justice when courts are independent and impartial. When labor rights and the right to education are respected, women and girls can advance more quickly toward equality. When women can vote and be elected, they can help elect candidates who believe in women’s autonomy.

When all these checks and balances are in place, women can expect a more level playing field to advance the recognition of rights. Institutions that can hold the executive to account are also signs of a healthy democracy.”

This is why, when we see women’s rights rolled back, it’s a flashing red light. The checks and balances that everyone relies on may be at risk or no longer functioning, and the slide to a less rights-respecting – even authoritarian – government may be under way.

One of the most threatening risks comes from courts becoming politically controlled.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/08/want-rate-your-government-just-look-womens-rights