Gender stereotyping
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
The international human rights law framework prohibits gender stereotypes and stereotyping which undermine the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. States have obligation to eliminate discrimination against women and men in all areas of their lives. This obligation requires states to take measures to address gender stereotypes both in public and private life as well as to refrain from stereotyping.
A gender stereotype is a generalised view or preconception about attributes or characteristics, or the roles that are or ought to be possessed by, or performed by women and men. A gender stereotype is harmful when it limits women’s and men’s capacity to develop their personal abilities, pursue their professional careers and make choices about their lives.
Harmful stereotypes can be both hostile/negative (e.g. women are irrational) or seemingly benign (e.g. women are nurturing). For example, the fact that childcare responsibilities often fall exclusively on women is based on...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
