Argentina pledges to break cultural barriers, end prejudice (updated)

Argentina commits to sustain its active programmes and policies for social inclusion. It will use its gender equality laws to protect women and do more to increase their access to political decision-making. Argentina will seek to break cultural barriers that assign women inferior roles, and aim to empower women not only as a matter of obligation under conventions or international treaties, but through a deep conviction that it is time to end taboos and prejudice. Argentina equally pledges to ensure that its current high degree of equality will be extended to youth and other sectors of society.

Speaking at the Global Leaders' Meeting on 27 September 2015, President Cristina Fernández said: “We need to break cultural barriers that have considered women as lesser beings. Policies must be aimed at [transforming] cultures.”

Developments since Argentina’s commitment

One year after the “Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment”, Argentina has launched the National Action Plan to Prevent and End Violence against Women 2017–2019. Additionally, Argentina has developed a Femicide Registry and created the Federal Council for combating Trafficking and Exploitation and for victim protection and assistance.

Argentina also aims to open a UN Women office in the country and has joined GQUAL Campaign to support parity in courts and international organs. Furthermore, Argentina has approved and implemented the Argentine Republic’s National Plan of Action to implement UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and has taken steps to increase women’s political participation. [ Full update (in Spanish) ]