COMMON PROBLEMS FACED BY WOMEN

It is very hard for a single woman to live alone both in urban and rural areas.... It depends on age, class,
education, and urban or rural setting. Young unmarried/divorced women in all classes in urban areas
find it difficult to live alone. They cannot get apartments to be rented. If they own a property, they can
more conveniently opt to live alone but again there is social pressure around them and they have to face
all kinds of gossips and scandals. In such case, age is their biggest problem. Older women can live alone
but still they feel insecure socially and physically. We do have examples now in the big cities where
highly educated and economically independent women opt to live alone but their percentage is very
low. In the rural areas they mostly live with joint family even if they do not get along with them.

WOMEN NOT PARTICIPATING IN WAR

This might simply reflect reality. In War and Gender, Joshua Goldstein examines cross-cultural
historical evidence relating to the participation of women in combat, and finds it to be
consistently rare, “far fewer than 1% of all warriors in history”. In today’s standing armies, the
vast majority of soldiers are male. War is a socially diverse phenomenon. So why does diversity
disappear in relation to gender? Goldstein argues: “Killing in war does not come naturally for
either gender, yet the potential for war has been universal. To help overcome soldiers’
reluctance to fight, cultures develop gender roles that equate ‘manhood’ with toughness under
fire

PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN
According to the international Energy Agency (IEA), women only account for
around 22% of the workforce in the oil and gas industry.
With respect to the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM), Dr. Kimmins says, “studies have shown that world-wide
women are less likely to be awarded the same grant dollars as men, are allocated
smaller lab space and start-up packages, and have increased demands placed on
them for mentoring, teaching and service. They are also less likely to have their
publications accepted in journals with a high-impact factor. Consequently, women
allocate less time and resources to commercializing their science. Until equity is
achieved in science, women will continue to be under-represented in patenting,”
she says.
 WHY EQUALITY IS IMPORTANT IN ALL WAYS
Women's economic empowerment includes women's ability to participate equally
in existing markets; their access to and control over productive resources, access
to decent work, control over their own time, lives and bodies; and increased
voice, agency and meaningful participation in economic decision-making at all.
So mainly we're talking about GENDER EQUALITY and mostly it's about women
because we have seen them from past years being mostly oppressed, they are the
ones who were stamped by the traditions and culture. Their basic rights were just
snatched so that is why they are at the limelight because it is majorly thought that
they are the weaker section

DOCUMENTS PROVING THAT EQUALTY IS IMPORTANT

Hat milestone document in the history of human rights recognized that “All human beings are born free
and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in
this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, birth or
other status.”

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action are significant

documents in the field of women's rights and gender equality. These
documents were adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women
held in Beijing, China, in 1995. The conference brought together
representatives from governments and non-governmental
organizations from around the world to address issues related to
gender equality and women's empowerment.

1. Beijing Declaration: The Beijing Declaration is a political

statement that outlines the commitment of governments to advance
the rights and status of women. It reaffirms the principles of
equality, development, and peace for women, and it sets out a
global agenda for women's empowerment and gender equality. The
declaration emphasizes the importance of women's rights in all
aspects of life, including political, economic, and social spheres.
2. Platform for Action: The Platform for Action is a comprehensive
and strategic framework for achieving gender equality and women's
empowerment. It provides a roadmap for governments,
organizations, and individuals to work towards improving the status
 and well-being of women worldwide. The Platform for Action is
organized into 12 critical areas of concern, which include women
and poverty, education, health, violence against women, and the
role of women in decision-making, among others. It offers specific
actions and recommendations to address these issues.

Together, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action represent a

global commitment to advancing gender equality and women's
rights. They have been instrumental in shaping policies and
initiatives related to women's empowerment and gender equality in
various countries and international organizations. These documents
continue to be referenced and used as a foundation for advocacy
and policy-making in the field of women's rights.

CEDAW, which stands for the Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Discrimination against Women, is an international treaty
adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. CEDAW is
often described as an international bill of rights for women, and it
holds several key principles and obligations. Here are some of the
main provisions and principles outlined in CEDAW:

1. Non-Discrimination: CEDAW prohibits discrimination against

women in all areas of life. It requires countries that are parties to
the convention to take measures to eliminate discrimination against
women and ensure that women have the same rights and
opportunities as men.
2. Equal Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage and Family
Life: CEDAW recognizes the equal rights and responsibilities of
women and men in marriage and family matters. It calls for the
protection of women's rights within the family, including issues
related to marriage, divorce, and child custody.
3. Access to Education: The convention emphasizes the importance
of ensuring equal access to education for women and men. It calls
for the elimination of gender-based barriers to education and
encourages countries to promote women's education at all levels.
4. Access to Healthcare: CEDAW recognizes women's right to access
healthcare services, including family planning, and it emphasizes
the importance of addressing women's specific healthcare needs.
5. Participation in Public Life: The convention promotes women's
participation in political and public life and calls for measures to
ensure women's equal representation in decision-making processes,
both in public and private sectors.
6. Economic and Social Rights: CEDAW addresses economic and
social rights, including women's rights in the workplace, social
security, and access to economic opportunities.
7. Elimination of Stereotypes: The convention calls for the
elimination of stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate
discrimination against women. It emphasizes the importance of
gender-sensitive education and media representations.
8. Protection Against Violence: CEDAW recognizes that violence
against women is a form of discrimination and requires countries to
take measures to prevent and address such violence, whether in the
public or private sphere.
9. Legal Equality: The convention emphasizes the need for legal
reforms to ensure that women have equal rights under the law,
including property rights, inheritance rights, and the ability to
conclude contracts.

Countries that are parties to CEDAW commit to taking measures to

bring their domestic laws and practices in line with these principles
and to report on their progress in promoting gender equality. The
Convention is monitored by the CEDAW Committee, which reviews
the reports submitted by countries and offers recommendations for
further action to eliminate discrimination against women. CEDAW
has played a significant role in advancing women's rights and
gender equality on a global scale.

The Convention on the Nationality of Married Women - adopted in 1957 - is

integrated under article 9 providing for the statehood of women,
irrespective of their marital status. The Convention, thereby, draws
attention to the fact that often women's legal status has been linked to
marriage, making them dependent on their husband's nationality rather
than individuals in their own right. Articles 10, 11 and 13, respectively,
affirm women's rights to non-discrimination in education, employment and
economic and social activities. These demands are given special emphasis
 with regard to the situation of rural women, whose particular struggles and
vital economic contributions, as noted in article 14, warrant more attention
in policy planning. Article 15 asserts the full equality of women in civil and
business matters, demanding that all instruments directed at restricting
women's legal capacity ''shall be deemed null and void". Finally, in article
16, the Convention returns to the issue of marriage and family relations,
asserting the equal rights and obligations of women and men with regard to
choice of spouse, parenthood, personal rights and command over property.

The link between discrimination and women's reproductive role is a matter

of recurrent concern in the Convention. For example, it advocates, in article
5, ''a proper understanding of maternity as a social function", demanding
fully shared responsibility for child-rearing by both sexes. Accordingly,
provisions for maternity protection and child-care are proclaimed as
essential rights and are incorporated into all areas of the Convention,
whether dealing with employment, family law, health core or education.
Society's obligation extends to offering social services, especially child-care
facilities, that allow individuals to combine family responsibilities with work
and participation in public life. Special measures for maternity protection
are recommended and "shall not be considered discriminatory". (article 4).
"The Convention also affirms women's right to reproductive choice.
Notably, it is the only human rights treaty to mention family planning. States
parties are obliged to include advice on family planning in the education
process (article l O.h) and to develop family codes that guarantee women's
rights "to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their
children and to hove access to the information, education and means to
enable them to exercise these rights" (article 16.e).
IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR WOMEN
As the international feminist movement began to gain momentum during the 1970s, the General
Assembly declared 1975 as the International Women’s Year and organized the first World Conference on
Women, held in Mexico City. At the urging of the Conference, it subsequently declared the years 1976-
1985 as the UN Decade for Women, and established a Voluntary Fund for Decade.

Five years after the Mexico City conference, a Second World Conference on Women was held in
Copenhagen in 1980. The resulting Programme of Action called for stronger national measures to ensure
women's ownership and control of property, as well as improvements in women's rights with respect to
inheritance, child custody and loss of nationality

Besides International Women’s Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against
Women, the UN observes other international days dedicated to raising awareness of different aspects of
the struggle for gender equality and women empowerment. On February 6, the International Day of
Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed, February 11 is the International Day of Women
and Girls in Science, June 19 is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict,
June 23 is International Widows' Day, October 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child and on
October 15 the International Day of Rural Women is observed.

In its preamble, the CEDAW explicitly acknowledges that "extensive discrimination against women
continues to exist", and emphasizes that such discrimination "violates the principles of equality of rights
and respect for human dignity". As defined in article 1, discrimination is understood as "any distinction,
exclusion or restriction made o.1 the basis of sex...in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any
other field". The Convention gives positive affirmation to the principle of equality by requiring States
parties to take "all appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full development and
advancement of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human
rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men"(article 3).

POINTS FOR DRAFT

Gender Inclusive Language Guidelines
Given the key role that language plays in shaping cultural and social attitudes, using gender-inclusive
language is a powerful way to promote gender equality and eradicate gender bias.

Being inclusive from a gender language perspective means speaking and writing in a way that does not
discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender
stereotypes.

These Guidelines include recommendations and materials, created to help United Nations staff use
gender-inclusive language in any type of communication — oral or written, formal or informal — and are
a useful starting point for anyone.
  Use gender-neutral words. Less inclusive.
 Using plural pronouns/adjectives. ...
 Use the pronoun one. ...
 Use the relative pronoun who. ...
 Use a plural antecedent. ...
 Omit the gendered word. ...
 Use the passive voice.

Programs that promote women and their successes are key to

attracting more young women to the field of innovation

TARGET COUNTRIES ON TOPICS

1. RIGHT TO CHOOSE SPOUSE

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, various countries

and regions have cultural, religious, or legal traditions that may
restrict women's ability to freely choose their spouse. These
restrictions can take various forms, such as arranged marriages,
forced marriages, or legal requirements that may limit women's
autonomy in marriage decisions. It's important to note that the
situation may have evolved, and legal and social changes can occur
over time. Some countries may have made progress in addressing
these issues, while others may still face challenges. Here are a few
countries where such restrictions have been reported in the past:

1. Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, traditional and cultural practices

have often involved arranged marriages, where the families of the
bride and groom play a significant role in the selection of a spouse.
2. Afghanistan: Traditional and cultural norms have influenced
marriage practices in Afghanistan, with arranged marriages being
common. In some cases, women may have limited say in their
choice of spouse.
3. Yemen: Similar to other conservative societies in the region, Yemen
has often seen arranged marriages and situations where women
have limited say in choosing their spouse.
4. Pakistan: Arranged marriages are common in Pakistan, and cultural
norms may influence marriage choices. In some cases, women may
face pressure to accept family-approved matches.
5. India: While arranged marriages are prevalent in India, it's
important to note that there is a wide range of practices across the
country. In some cases, women may face pressure from their
families or communities to accept arranged marriages.
6. Nigeria: In certain regions and communities in Nigeria, traditional
practices and family decisions can have a significant impact on
women's choices in marriage.
7. Some Gulf States: In various Gulf countries, including the United
Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar, traditional practices and cultural
norms may influence marriage decisions, and women may have
limited autonomy in this regard.

It's essential to recognize that practices can vary widely within these
countries, and there are often urban-rural, regional, and socio-
economic differences. Moreover, there are efforts within these
countries and internationally to address issues related to forced and
child marriages, as well as to promote women's rights and
autonomy in marriage decisions.

For the most up-to-date information on the status of women's rights

and marriage practices in specific countries, it's advisable to consult
official government sources, international organizations, and reports
from non-governmental organizations focused on women's rights
and gender equality.

INDIA
Current legislation in India, for example, prohibits women from undertaking certain industrial
jobs. Specifically, the national 1952 Mines Act prohibits women from working in underground
mines while the Factories Act 1948 prohibitswomen from working in certain factories. India
could move toward greater gender equality and increase labor productivity by removing these
restrictions. In addition, the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act prohibits women from
working the same night shifts as men. However, reform eorts have been underway over the
past years to allow women to work at night. These aim to increase employment opportunities
for women while ensuring their physical safety, responding to widespread cases of violence
against women in transportation and public places.
Periods of absence due to childcare, if unaccounted for in calculating pension benefits, can
negatively aect the size of a woman’s pension. Explicit crediting of periods of childcare
(e.g., maternity leave) toward pension benefits helps women secure economic stability in old
age.
However, India receives a score of 80 out of 100 on this indicator because it does not recognize
the value of nonmonetary contributions upon dissolution of marriage. While gender neutral in
theory, separation of property regimes can disproportionately act women, who are more likely
to perform unpaid activities such as child or elder care, and typically obtain fewer monetized
contributions and assets during marriage. The negative impact of separation of property
regimes can be mitigated in divorce proceedings by the legal recognition of nonmonetary
contributions, which can grant women a greater share of the marital property.
However, India lacks any provisions for paid paternity leave for private sector employees, which
may increase the disparity between the cost of hiring women compared to men and may lead
employers to discriminate against women at the time of hiring or remuneration negotiations

AFGANISTAN
1. Women have been banned from going to parks, gyms, and public bathing
houses.
2. They have been stopped from pursuing education beyond the sixth grade. Their
ability to work outside of health and education is all but prohibited.
3. Since the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August 2021, women have
been wholly excluded from public office and the judiciary.
4. Today, Afghanistan’s women and girls are required to adhere to a strict dress
code and are not permitted to travel more than 75 km without a mahram. They
are compelled to stay at home.
All over the country, women report feeling invisible, isolated, suffocated, living in
prison like conditions. Many are unable to have their basic needs met without
access to employment or aid, including access to medical healthcare and
psychological support in particular for victims of violence, including sexual
violence. It’s a sobering reminder of how swiftly and aggressively women’s and
girls’ rights can be taken away.
YEMEN
By God, I am broken from the inside. It’s not normal, I don’t feel like a human being. I can’t
breathe properly like other human beings. We suffer from the forced niqab, child marriage,
divorce shame, domestic violence and honor killings. I don’t know… as if we are aliens. They
[male family members] have to oppress us and we have to stay oppressed – like a puppet
controlled by strings. YEMENI WOMEN ON CALL (according to amnesty international report)
According to prevailing gender roles, men are recognized as the “protectors” of women and
families; without the male relative present, women are more vulnerable to sexual and physical
violence. Within this context, an unchaperoned woman faces increased risks of violence at
checkpoints. One of the tactics used by Huthi de facto authorities on checkpoints includes
head-shaving, especially new brides traveling between governorates to meet their husbands. In
this society, in addition to caring for her husband, a woman is expected to physically appeal to
her husband. More often than not, these women end up divorced, shamed and suffer from
psychological distress. Survivors of violence such as head-shaving are often reluctant to report
the abuse, fearing backlash from their own community and security officials.
They are forced to become the main caregivers, heads of household and activists mobilizing for
the rights of their detained male relatives. Each role they step into increases their chances of
sexual and physical violence within and outside of the household whether by neighbors taking
advantage of a woman’s vulnerability or security forces curbing their activism and dismissing
reports of violence.

KHALISTANI
Justin Treudeu statement on Indian allegations “We have engaged with the Indian government
on a number of occasions to urge them to cooperate with Canada’s investigation. The secretary
had an opportunity to do that in his meeting with the foreign minister on Friday.”

When asked if India has agreed to cooperate with Canada, Miller said this is for New Delhi to
respond to. “I will let the Indian government speak for themselves and I will speak for the
United States government, and we urge that cooperation,” the state department spokesperson
said.
PAKISTAN
The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap 2022, ranks Pakistan higher on
political participation at 95/146 as more women than ever before are
participating in political activity.[2] Women, however, continue to remain
underrepresented in leadership roles and are restricted from taking up positions
in the political/public sphere due to systemic challenges arising from patriarchal
notions. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), there is a gender
gap of around 12.5 million in Pakistan’s electoral rolls. According to UN Women’s
calculations, at the current rate of progress, gender parity in national legislatures
will not be achieved before 2063.[3] Given recurrent natural catastrophes such as
floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones, Pakistan has been ranked as one of
the top ten countries most affected (currently ranked 8th) by climate change in
the past 20 years, with women being affected the most.

“Whatever the law, while laws for women’s empowerment and protection
from violence are in place at national and sub-national levels, their
implementation remains weak.
As per the 5th CEDAW periodic review of Pakistan, one of the biggest
challenges faced is the lack of consistent data on violence against women
(VAW) to support the development of appropriate policy responses, which
has led to ineffective and weak policy reforms.[6] From the reported data,
violence against women is widespread – 34 per cent of ever-married
women have experienced spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence[7],
and 56 per cent of ever-married women who reported experiencing
physical or sexual violence have neither sought help to stop the violence
nor told anyone.[8]
Factors that impede speedy and efficient delivery of justice to women
include a low level of understanding of laws among staff of justice sector
institutions, the absence of technological solutions to collect data and
evidence, patriarchal mindsets and cultural norms that privilege or ascribe
higher status to men and lower status to women. Really?
On the economic front, women account for a mere 22.63 per cent of the labor
force while men make up 84.79 per cent of the labor force. [9]

On average, a Pakistani woman’s income is 16.3 per cent of a man’s

income. Of the 5.26 million working in the informal sector in Pakistan, 81 per
cent are women.[10] Even though this contribution accounts for 65 per cent of the
PKR 400 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in the informal economy of Pakistan, [11] women
earn just PKR 3,000-4,000 (USD 15-20) per month and as a result face
multidimensional vulnerabilities including low-income security, poor nutrition,
occupational health issues, absence of social protection and high economic
vulnerability in times of crisis.
The Global Wage Report 2019-20 by International Labor Organization explains the
gender pay gap variation between men and women between countries and for
Pakistan it is 34 per cent. [12] The overarching constraints that restrict
economically active women in maximizing their income include cultural
constraints of free mobility, restricted access to and acquisition of skills pertaining
to business management and expansion, and lack of direct access to markets and
technology.
Pakistani communities, especially women, are becoming more
vulnerable to disaster-driven displacement. Gender-sensitive
resilience measures and relief policies must become part of the
national discourse. In Pakistan, climate migration has become a
growing reality. Pakistan alone is expected to have around 2
million climate migrants by 2050, not including those who will be
displaced due to the sudden onset of climate disasters, such as
floods and cyclones.

CHINA
According to disruptive Asia society, among the “feminine duties” that the
dominant Chinese culture imposes on women, one that is particularly
persistent is that women should marry and have children at the
“appropriately” young age and assume full moral responsibility for
caregiving. Such domestic requirements work together with gender
discrimination in the workplace to form a closed loop of inequality. It should
be noted that culture can be very coercive especially when the government
endorses it. China’s current top leader has repeatedly and publicly asked
women to follow “family virtues” to maintain social stability.

IRAN
Iran forbids women from traveling without the consent of her husband.
According to article 18 of the Passport Law passed in 1973, a husband can
ban his wife from leaving the country. A woman is required by Iranian law
to have the permission on her husband before she can leave the country or
obtain a passport.

SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s Personal Status Law (PSL), passed one year ago today on 8
March 2022 and touted as a major reform by the authorities, perpetuates the
male guardianship system and codifies discrimination against women in most
aspects of family life, Amnesty International said today, as the world marks
International Women’s Day.

The law fails to adequately protect women from domestic violence. Instead,
the PSL entrenches patriarchal gender roles by expecting women to “obey”
their husbands. It also makes women’s financial support from their husbands
during marriage conditional on wives “submit[ing]” themselves to their
husbands. Such provisions place women at risk of exploitation and abuse,
including marital rape, which Saudi law does not criminalize. Under the new
law, women, unlike men, must have the consent of a male legal guardian to
get married and for the marriage contract to be validated.

Although the law sets the legal age for marriage at 18, it allows the courts to
permit marriages for boys and girls aged under 18 in certain cases. The
Ministry of Justice published draft implementing regulations in April 2022
outlining the conditions under which children under 18 can get married.
However, those regulations have not yet been formally adopted, so it is still
unclear how the courts will decide on marriages for those under the age of
eighteen.

According to the PSL, only men have the unconditional right to initiate a
divorce. The law merely stipulates that a woman should be “informed” of the
divorce and entitled to financial compensation if she has not been informed.
Conversely, women do not have the right to unilaterally end a marriage.

In all cases of marriage dissolution, the PSL disadvantages women

economically. In the cases of khula’ (separation) and faskh (an annulment of
marriage pronounced by a court), in which women are able to initiate the
dissolution of a marriage, they face legal, financial and practical barriers that
are codified in the PSL and that only apply to women.

Khula’ may be initiated at the wife’s request, but it requires the husband’s
consent and can only be granted if the wife repays her mahr (dowry).

Moreover, in the event of a separation, a mother does not enjoy equal rights
with the father in matters related to their children, according to the PSL.
Although the mother is automatically granted custody, the father remains the
child’s legal guardian and has the power to make critical decisions regarding
the child’s life. The law also makes it difficult for divorced mothers to travel
with their children, relocate overseas or remarry.

According to amnesty international report, the Saudi authorities have arrested,

imprisoned and sentenced brave Saudi women’s rights activists who
campaigned for the end of the male guardianship system. Even those
released after several years of imprisonment, today face travel bans and
restrictions on their freedom of expression.Human rights activists told
Amnesty International that these activists who were at the forefront of calls for
women’s rights were not given the opportunity to provide any input into the
law. Women who face challenges in relation to marriage, divorce and child
custody under the PSL are unable to speak freely about their concerns for
fear of repression by the authorities.
 POINTS FOR OPEN DEBATE
TAMPON TAX:-The term "tampon tax" refers to the value-added tax (VAT) or
sales tax that is imposed on menstrual hygiene products such as tampons and
sanitary pads. This issue has gained attention because it is often perceived as a
form of gender-based taxation, as these products are essential for many people
who menstruate and are not considered optional items. Critics argue that taxing
menstrual products is unfair and can create financial burdens for individuals who
need them. Many countries have implemented tax exemptions or reductions to
address the tampon tax, while others continue to apply regular tax rates to these
products. AUSTRALIA AND DENMARK

Income Tax Disparities: If income tax policies are not designed to

account for income disparities between genders, they can indirectly
contribute to gender discrimination. For example, if women, on average,
earn less than men due to wage gaps, a flat income tax system can
disproportionately affect women. PAKISTAN, SAUDI

PINK TAX

AUSTRALIA AND UK

PATERNAL LEAVE
1. Japan: Japan's paternal leave policies have faced criticism for their limited
duration and low replacement rates for income.
2. South Korea: South Korea has been criticized for its relatively short
duration of paid paternal leave and low wage replacement rates.
3. Australia: Critics have pointed out that Australia's paternal leave policies
could be more inclusive and provide a longer duration of leave with full pay.
4. India: India has faced criticism for the limited paid paternal leave available,
as well as issues related to implementation and awareness of these policies.
5. Russia: Russia's paternal leave policies have been criticized for not
providing sufficient financial support to fathers during their leave.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Canada has taken steps to address these issues, including the
establishment of the TRC and the adoption of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). However,
much work remains to fully address the historical and contemporary
injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and to build a more equitable and
inclusive future for all Canadians. Reconciliation and collaborative efforts
between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government are
ongoing to address these complex and deeply rooted challenges.

Who are indigenous people

Indigenous people, also referred to as First Nations, Aboriginal, Native, or

tribal people, are the original inhabitants of a specific region or country.
They are distinct cultural groups with their own languages, customs, and
traditions. Indigenous people have historically lived in a particular territory
long before the arrival of settlers or colonizers from other regions. Here are
some key characteristics that generally define Indigenous people:

Historical Presence: Indigenous people have a deep historical and

ancestral connection to a specific geographic area. They often have lived in
the same region for generations or centuries.

Distinct Cultures and Traditions: Indigenous communities have unique

cultures, languages, traditions, and belief systems that are passed down
through generations. These cultural practices often play a central role in
their way of life.

Connection to the Land: Indigenous people typically have a strong

connection to their traditional lands, which are often seen as more than just
physical spaces; they are integral to their identity and spirituality.
Self-Identification: Indigenous people often self-identify as members of their
specific tribal or ethnic group. These identities can vary widely and
encompass numerous distinct communities and nations.

Collective Rights: Indigenous people often assert collective rights, such as

the right to self-determination, self-governance, and control over their
traditional territories. These rights are recognized by international law.

Historical Injustice: Many Indigenous communities around the world have

experienced historical injustices, including displacement, forced
assimilation, and the loss of land and resources due to colonization and
settlement.

Contemporary Challenges: Indigenous people may face contemporary

challenges related to social, economic, and political disparities, including
issues like poverty, inadequate healthcare, education, and housing.

It's important to note that Indigenous peoples are not a homogenous group.
They are incredibly diverse, with unique languages, cultures, and histories.
Indigenous communities exist on every continent and in various countries
around the world. Examples of Indigenous groups include Native
Americans in North America, the Inuit in the Arctic, Aboriginal Australians,
Maori in New Zealand, and many more.

Recognizing and respecting the rights and contributions of Indigenous

people is crucial, as they continue to play a vital role in the cultural, social,
and political life of their respective regions. Additionally, acknowledging and
addressing historical injustices and working towards reconciliation and
equitable partnerships are important

Steps in fostering positive relationships between

Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Who are indigenous people in canada

In Canada, Indigenous people are diverse and encompass three distinct

groups: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Each of these groups has its own
unique cultures, languages, and histories. Here's an overview of these
Indigenous groups in Canada:

First Nations: First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various

Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada, excluding the Inuit and
Métis. There are over 600 recognized First Nations in Canada, each with its
own distinct culture and language. These communities are spread
throughout the country and can be found in various provinces and
territories. Some well-known First Nations include the Cree, Ojibwe, and
Haida, among many others. First Nations have a history of treaty
agreements with the Canadian government, some of which are still the
subject of ongoing negotiations.

Inuit: The Inuit are Indigenous peoples who primarily inhabit the Arctic
regions of Canada, including Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, northern
Quebec, and parts of Labrador. Inuit culture is deeply connected to the
Arctic environment, and they have their own language, Inuktitut. The
creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999 marked a significant step in
recognizing Inuit self-governance and land claims.

Métis: The Métis are people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry,
primarily of First Nations and French-Canadian heritage. Métis
communities are found throughout Canada, with notable concentrations in
the Prairie provinces, particularly in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The
Métis have a unique culture and history, including their own language,
Michif. They played a significant role in Canada's history, particularly in the
fur trade.

Indigenous peoples in Canada have diverse cultures and languages, and

they continue to work towards preserving their traditions and languages
while addressing contemporary challenges. The recognition of Indigenous
rights, self-determination, and land claims is an ongoing process in
Canada, with various treaties, agreements, and negotiations aimed at
reconciling historical injustices and building a more equitable and inclusive
future for Indigenous communities.
FORCEFULLY MAKING THEM WEAR HIJJAB

Iran: In Iran, the wearing of the hijab has been mandatory since the Islamic
Revolution of 1979. The government enforces a strict dress code, and women
can face penalties or legal consequences for not wearing the hijab properly in
public.

Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, the wearing of the abaya (a loose-fitting black
cloak) is typically mandatory for women in public. While the abaya is not
precisely the same as the hijab, it falls within the broader category of modest
Islamic dress. However, there has been some relaxation of these rules in
recent years.

Afghanistan (Taliban Regime): During the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan (1996-

2001), women were forced to wear the burqa, a full-body covering that also
conceals the face. The Taliban enforced strict dress codes for women, and
violations were met with severe punishments.

Sudan: In Sudan, the wearing of the hijab was mandatory under the strict
interpretation of Islamic law. However, following the overthrow of President
Omar al-Bashir in 2019, there have been efforts to relax some of these
restrictions.

Aceh, Indonesia: The province of Aceh in Indonesia has implemented Sharia

law, which includes dress codes for women. Women in Aceh are required to
wear hijabs and follow strict Islamic dress codes in public.

Chechnya (Russia): In some regions of Chechnya, there have been reports of

women being pressured or forced to wear the hijab as part of a conservative
interpretation of Islamic customs.
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