Database

ACLN has drawn up basic data on issues related to gender-based cause lawyering in Asia. The data has been compiled keeping in mind usage and promotion of evidence based research, data supporting litigation and law reform allowing for the localization of international human rights standards and norms in diverse legal systems. The data has been compiled under the following sub-headings:

1.                      Equality and Non-discrimination – International covenants demand that states accede to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women.

2.                      Violence against Women -Under current international law, States are obliged to address violence against women, including through the enactment of legislation. Since the 1990s, numerous Asian countries have adopted or revised legislation on violence against women. 

3.                      Domestic Violence - The 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women of the United Nations General Assembly included it in “(a)ny act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.. “

4.                      Sexual Harassment- The most obvious form of sexual harassment in the workplace is a direct or implicit request for, or offer to provide, sexual favours in exchange for favorable career treatment. A wide range of other types of behavior can, however, also constitute sexual harassment, depending on the circumstances in which they occur.

5.                     Trafficking- The fight against trafficking in women and girls in various countries in Asia is discussed along with a particular focus on initiatives taken at the national level and taking into consideration, inter alia: the factors which contribute to trafficking and strategies to address such factors; the effects of racial and social marginalization on women.

The data has been collected summarizing each subject in the context of international conventions and covenants, country-wise constitutional provisions and/or legislations and important court rulings.