Lithuanian representative elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for a second time
At the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City on 21 June, the Director of the Gender Studies Centre at Vilnius University, Professor Dalia Leinartė was elected to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for a second time. The Lithuanian candidate received more support than any other – even 121 State parties voted for her. A total of 25 candidates contested for 11 seats.
This success is just another recognition of Lithuania’s active steps to defend women’s rights, the fight to stop violence against women and efforts to make gender equality a reality. Lithuania actively contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. Lithuania has also financed development cooperation projects on women’s rights in Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is composed of 23 independent experts on women’s rights. The Committee oversees implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) through its consideration of State reports, and its preparation of general recommendations. 189 States are party to the CEDAW.
Prof. Leinartė served as the Vice-Chairperson of the CEDAW Committee in her first term. Professor of History Leinartė is a recognised gender equality expert. She has been the Director of Gender Studies Centre at Vilnius University since 2000. She is also a member of the Working Group on Women and Democracy of the Community of Democracies.
Experts from China, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, the Philippines and the Bahamas were also elected to the Committee.
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