Centering Women and Girls in growing global movement from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) – A Policy Imperative

Background

Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) encompass diverse groups worldwide who face systemic marginalization due to inherited social status, often tied to stigmatized ancestral occupations. These groups include the Roma in Europe, Dalits in South Asia, Burakumin in Far East Asia, Osu, Mboros, and Haratins in Africa, Quilombola in Brazil, and Palenque in Colombia, among others. Collectively, they represent over 270 million people globally, suffering from exclusion, poverty, violence, and restricted access to fundamental rights and services. 

Current international human rights frameworks do not address the unique and specific types of discrimination experienced by Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. For more than two decades, stakeholder groups and civil society have been advocating for group-specific norms for CDWD at the UN to protect human rights and guarantee their civil, economic, cultural, and political participation.

Context

Despite various international frameworks aiming to combat discrimination and promote gender equality, women from CDWD remain among the most marginalized. These women are disproportionately affected by poverty, lack of education, limited access to healthcare, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes. The intersectionality of gender, caste, race, and socio-economic status exacerbates their vulnerability, leading to severe human rights violations, including gender-based violence and economic exploitation. 

Addressing the challenges faced by women from communities discriminated on work and descent is not only a matter of justice but also essential for achieving global gender equality. UN Women and GFoD’s policy brief on CDWD Women calls for a coordinated effort by the UN nations system, governments, and civil society to create an inclusive and equitable environment where these women can thrive.

Event Overview

This side event at CSW 2025, co-hosted by UN Women and the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), will seek input for a groundbreaking policy brief highlighting the unique challenges and transformative potential of women from CDWD. The event will underscore the importance of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) to address the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by over 270 million people globally, focusing on grassroots women from communities like the Dalits, Roma, Haratins, Quilombola, Burakumin, and others.

Objectives

Present key findings and actionable recommendations from the policy brief.

Highlight the systemic discrimination and challenges faced by CDWD women.

Engage stakeholders in advancing intersectional policies and practices aligned with the Beijing Declaration.

Elevate the voices and contributions of grassroots CDWD women leaders.

Present an overview of findings and policy brief recommendations 

Reflections and feedback on the findings and recommendations

Speakers include:

• National Governments representatives
• Permanent Mission representatives
• CERD Members
• CEDAW members
• Marie-Elena John, Global Senior Racial Justice Lead, UN Women
• Laura Nyirinkindi, chair, UN WG DAWG

• Pallical, Chair, Asia Dalit Rights Forum
• Elena Sirbu, ERGO Network/Roma Women Platform ROMNI, Moldova
• Grijesh Dinker, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, India
• Queen Bisseng, GFoD UN Programme Specialist, Cameroon

Expected Outcomes

1. Increased understanding of the challenges faced by CDWD women and the urgency of action.
2. Stakeholders commit to implementing the policy brief’s recommendations.
3. Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, international agencies, and policymakers.
4. Elevated profile of CDWD women’s issues in global gender equality discourse

Date and Time:19th of March 2025, UN Women, 16:30-18:00 PM (and online via Zoom)

Registration link: Breaking Barriers: Women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD)