Topic: 2024-Gender Equality in Rural Areas
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Sophia Mahajerin
UN Women
Gender Equality in Rural Areas
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Sophia Mahajerin
Forest Hills Eastern High School
Algerian society has transformed several times throughout history. Centuries of Arab/Islamic dynasties, subsequent French occupation, and ultimately independence gained in 1962, have seen considerable evolution of gender roles. Women in these regions face higher rates of poverty, limited access to education, and restricted economic opportunities compared to urban areas. Additionally, rural women often lack access to healthcare and resources, which impacts not only their well-being but also the development of their communities. Modern Algerian society has seen advocacy on the behalf of women in formal legislation to improve women’s roles in the Mediterranean labor market as well as the government structure. Through political reforms supported by the United Nations, a goal of 30% female representation in elected assemblies has been established and often achieved. Legal protections for women have also been proposed, such as through the Family Code of 1984.
Algeria recognizes the harmful impact gender inequality has had on its citizens. The Gender Inequality Index (which is comprised of measures of reproductive health, economic status, and empowerment of women) remains quite high at 49.9%, implying that significant inequalities between men and women in Algerian society remain. The results fall short of women’s aspirations. Algeria has implemented policies to promote gender equality, focusing on improving women’s rights and participation in society, though significant gaps remain. The Algerian Constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women, and reforms to the Family Code have aimed to modernize gender roles, granting women more independence in marriage and divorce. The country has also ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to align with global standards for gender equality. Because deep-rooted cultural standards have led to persistence of gender inequality in spite of these formal legislative efforts, further improvements are needed. Through activities of several UN organizations including the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), efforts are underway to correct remaining gender disparities.
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria proposes the implementation of improved access to healthcare for women, to improve maternal mortality rates. Algeria also proposes further increasing target women representation percentages in government, so that their voices can be better heard. Additionally, Algeria proposes increased opportunities for women to obtain an education and join the workforce, therefore improving womens’ economic status. We would like to see a reduction in the Gender Inequality Index, as a measure of success of these efforts. Algeria commits to enacting these practical measures to achieve better gender inequality.
