Gender Equality: Clarifying the Responsibilities of Companies under International Human Rights Law

Cambodia- A day in the life of Chhun Srey Sros, a garment factory worker in Cambodia Cambodia- A day in the life of Chhun Srey Sros, a garment factory worker in Cambodia

10 December 2018

Our new publication Gender Responsive Due Diligence for Business Actors: Human Rights-Based Approaches focuses on the direct responsibilities of business actors to respect and, in some circumstances, facilitate gender equality guarantees under international human rights law.

As such, it details corporate human rights obligations to respect the equal rights of men, women and gender non-conforming people within the workplace, but also in relation to the wider economic, social and cultural impact of their activities. It uses examples from global supply chains, land-based agricultural investments and conflict zones to documents existing business practices that affect the realization of gender equality. The publication also provides recommendations as to how companies could engage in human rights due diligence to more effectively prevent, mitigate, account for and remedy gender-related inequalities.

Business and Gender Equality UN Principles on Business and Human Rights

Incorporating a Gender Perspective into the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

This publication contributes to the United Nations (UN) working group on business and human rights’ consultation process on the incorporation of a gender perspective into the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Several of the main findings were presented during a roundtable on gender responsive human rights due diligence at the 2018 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights.

Following additional regional and international consultations – including a final meeting organized by the Geneva Academy in January 2019 –, the working group will present its guidance to the Human Rights Council in June 2019.

‘Besides this support to the UN working group, the publication will also be of use to companies, civil society organizations, intergovernmental organizations, governments, National Human Rights Institutions and academics who are interested in ensuring that companies respect and promote gender equality within their activities and areas of influence' underlines Dr Joanna Bourke Martignoni, former Senior Research Fellow at the Geneva Academy and co-author of the publication.

Business and Gender Equality UN Principles on Business and Human Rights 1

Going Beyond Minimum Standards: Gender Responsive Human Rights Due Diligence Processes

The publication highlights that businesses must go beyond minimum standards to respect human rights standards related to gender equality and also consider ways in which they might use their influence to facilitate gender-related human rights guarantees by identifying, confronting and helping to dismantle structural forms of inequality.

As such, companies should implement gender responsive human rights due diligence (HRDD) processes in order to comply with their obligations to respect and, in some circumstances, facilitate gender equality guarantees under international human rights law.

‘HRDD processes necessitate the integration of a gender perspective within all areas of a company’s operations in order to identify, prevent, mitigate and remedy gender-based discrimination and inequalities’ explains Dr Joanna Bourke Martignoni.

‘Our publication details the key elements and components of HRDD processes. These range from participatory human rights impact assessments, to the implementation of mitigation measures for gender discrimination, the systematic collection and analysis of disaggregated data, ongoing monitoring and transparent information sharing, as well as the development of accessible and appropriate grievance mechanisms and remedies’ she adds.

The publication shows that in some instances, companies are already participating in initiatives that could lay the foundations for HRDD, and are putting in place policies and procedures that challenge gender discrimination. In certain cases, they are even taking a role in policy advocacy on these issues.

Business and Gender Equality UN Principles on Business and Human Rights 2

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

ILGA World Logo News

In Highlight: ILGA World Database

28 March 2024

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the March highlight of the directory: ILGA World Database.

Read more

A GHRP training course News

Geneva Human Rights Platform’s Training Hub: Expanding Offerings and Partnerships for 2024

16 February 2024

2023 has been a busy and fruitful year for our Geneva Human Rights Platform’s Training Hub which starts 2024 with an enhanced offer.

Read more

A hand on a wire fence Event

Recognition of Gender Apartheid as an International Crime: Significance and Challenges

18 April 2024, 18:00-19:30

This panel will address crucial questions surrounding the necessity of a legal framework for gender apartheid under international law.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme. Short Course

Preventing and Combating Terrorism

25 April - 17 May 2024

This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

The Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment: Understanding its Scope, States Obligations and Links with Other Human Rights

published on March 2024

Christophe Golay, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Environmental Human Rights as a Tool in Early Warning and Conflict Prevention The Role of the Human Rights Council

published on January 2024

Erica Harper, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more