Gender Difference Masquerading As a Tool for Women Oppression in Cultural Discourse‪.‬

Culture is a primary force in the socialisation of individuals and a major determinant of the consciousness and experience of the community. However, there are variances of gender inequality in all cultures, which may not be due to mere deference to cultural exigencies. Gender equality is a paramount condition for equitable and sustainable global positive development. This paper shows that it is not possible to respect individual cultures and at the same time secure gender equality. There are in any cultural traditions where women are subjected to social, economic, financial, political, religious and mythical conditions which amount to permanent, violent and gross violations of their Human Rights (HRs), in the name of cultural rights and sovereignty. This paper also shows that gender equality is independent of tradition and culture and that there is no gender equality. It also includes, various declarations, conventions and HRs case-law show that, many cultural and religious norms are contrary to the HRs of women, despite the fact that, these religious and cultural norms are claimed to be indispensable to society. [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII.]