According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Marianne Mikko’s election to the UN CEDAW Committee is excellent news for Estonia and a recognition of her work to date. “Preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality are central pillars of Estonia’s human rights diplomacy. Internationally, we are committed to ensuring that women’s rights and security are never sidelined,” the Foreign Minister stressed. “The fact that Marianne Mikko’s candidacy was supported by 133 countries clearly demonstrates the confidence she enjoys internationally and is a recognition of her efforts to advance women’s rights.”
Re-elected to the Committee for a second term, Marianne Mikko thanked Estonia’s diplomats for their efforts. “During my new term, I will continue working to promote women’s economic independence around the world, including by reducing the gender pay gap. Women’s rights are human rights. I will continue to stand up for human rights and to ensure that gender parity is more than just a slogan, so that women and men participate on an equal footing in making political decisions that affect society. I believe that an increasing number of men understand the importance of women’s rights and are prepared to stand up for them,” said Marianne Mikko.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is an independent body of 23 experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by States Parties. The Convention has been ratified by 189 countries.
