Women Rights in International Law and Impact of Globalization

Abstract

The recognition and protection of women’s rights in international law has undergone significant transformation over the last century, evolving from being a marginal concern in international relations to becoming a central element of global human rights discourse. Various international legal instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and regional treaties, have sought to enshrine gender equality as a fundamental principle. However, the advancement of women’s rights has been deeply intertwined with the forces of globalization, which have both created opportunities for women’s empowerment and exacerbated existing inequalities. This paper critically examines the development of women’s rights in international law, analyzes how globalization has shaped women’s social, economic, and political realities, and assesses the extent to which global governance mechanisms have succeeded in protecting women against systemic discrimination. Ultimately, while globalization has facilitated transnational advocacy and increased visibility of women’s issues, it has also reinforced structural inequalities that limit the realization of substantive gender justice.