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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English(1) Women have the right to equal treatment with men and that right shall include equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities.
(2) Subject to the availability of resources, the Government shall provide facilities and opportunities necessary to enhance the welfare of women to enable them to realise their full potential and advancement.
… (Sec. 28)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), (5), and (7), no law shall make provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.
…
(3) In this section the expression “discriminatory” means affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, tribe, sex, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject, or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description.
(4) Subsection (1) shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision—
…
g. whereby persons of any such description as mentioned in subsection (3) may be subjected to any disability or restriction or may be accorded any privilege or advantage which, having regard to its nature and to special circumstances pertaining to those persons or to persons of any other such description, is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society;
… (Sec. 27)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English…
2. Concerning the basis of the principle of equality of the woman before the law, the public powers shall adopt legal initiatives and mechanisms to favor the adequate representation and participation of the woman in the provision of the offices [cargos] and other functions in all the institutions of the State.
… (Art. 13) - Spanish…
2. Sobre la base del principio de la igualdad de la mujer ante la ley, los poderes públicos adoptarán iniciativas legales y mecanismos para favorecer la adecuada representación y participación de la Mujer en el desempeño de los cargos y demás funciones en todas las Instituciones del Estado.
… (Art. 13) - French…
2. Conformément au principe d'égalité des femmes devant la loi, les pouvoirs publics prendront des initiatives en vue de l'adoption de lois et de mécanismes favorisant la représentation et participation adéquates des femmes dans l'exercice des charges et autres fonctions à l'intérieur de l'ensemble des institutions de l'État.
… (Art. 13)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English
…
(4) In appointing Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the President must be guided by considerations of regional and gender balance.
… (Sec. 104)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English…
The political parties must respect the principles of representation of gender … (Art. 31) - French…
Les partis politiques doivent respecter les principes de représentation du genre … (Art. 31)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English…
(2) Members of the Zimbabwe Land Commission must—
(a) be chosen for their integrity and competence in, and knowledge and understanding of, the best practices in land management and administration; and
(b) reflect the diversity of Zimbabwe’s population, in particular its regional interests and gender balance.
… (Sec. 296)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English
We, the People of Côte d'Ivoire;
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Express our commitment to:
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- promoting equality between men and women;
… (Preamble) - French
Nous, Peuple de Côte d’Ivoire ;
…
Exprimons notre engagement à :
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- promouvoir l’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes ;
… (Préambule)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English1. The National Government shall establish independent institutions and commissions as provided for by this Constitution. Such institutions and commissions shall perform their functions and duties impartially and without interference from any person or authority.
…
3. The National Government shall ensure that at least twenty-five percent of the membership of each of these institutions and commissions shall be women. (Art. 142)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- EnglishThe fundamental tasks of the Angolan state shall be:
…
k) To promote equality between men and women;
… (Art. 21) - PortugueseConstituem tarefas fundamentais do Estado angolano:
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k) Promover a igualdade entre o homem e a mulher;
… (Art. 21)
Affirmative Action (Broadly)
- English1. All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.
2. Without prejudice to clause (l) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
3. For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
4. Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are necessary for-
a. implementing policies and programmes aimed at redressing social, economic, educational or other imbalance in society;
b. making such provision as is required or authorised to be made under this Constitution; or
… (Art. 21)