Plans to establish a UNICEF-style agency to champion women’s rights
The United Nations has been active in raising the profile of women’s rights around the world. Its 1979 'Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women' has been signed by all except eight members; and the 1995, UN sponsored 'Beijing Platform for Action' lays out a comprehensive programme for removing obstacles to women’s participation in public life throughout the world. But campaigners argue that the UN bodies set up to campaign for women's rights aren't effective enough. They are lobbying for a powerful agency to replace them, and enforce the UN's gender equality agenda worldwide. Jenni discusses the problems this proposal faces with Kathy Peach from Voluntary Service Overseas, and the journalist and human rights campaigner Lesley Abdela.
