expression, these provisions place an unambiguous obligation on states to prohibit anything that prevents women from expressing themselves or accessing information on the basis of their gender. By implication it also requires states to reform any laws and policies that have the same effect. The provisions also require states to take proactive, temporary or “special” measures to ensure women can and do exercise their right to freedom of expression. Thirdly, CEDAW requires that states not only address their own discrimination against women, but also discrimination by others.25 This includes actively seeking to modify social and cultural barriers to equality26 and customary or traditional attitudes that often serve as barriers to women.27 In the context of the right to freedom of expression, these provisions place an obligation on the state not just to consider and address de jure censorship of women for example through state policies, but also the de facto and often significant impact of social and cultural pressures and restrictions on women’s expression and access to information. Such consideration of the need to address outmoded practices and procedures that inadvertently promote men was emphasised in the Beijing Platform for Action as being the vital difference between the right and the reality for women.28 The provisions require states to look beyond their own discriminatory practices to those of others such as families, media companies, hospitals or civil society organisations. The CEDAW Committee has elaborated that states should, in particular, ensure that media and education systems overcome socio-cultural attitudes and prejudices, and respect and promote respect for women.29 Fourthly, CEDAW places obligations upon states in a number of specific areas that directly relate to women’s right to freedom of expression. States are required to: • • • • • Protect women’s voices and participation in political decision-making30, including in all legislative, judicial, executive and administrative powers, and in all aspects of formulation and implementation of policy.31 The CEDAW Committee has elaborated that such participation should not be complacent and tokenistic,32 and should make decisions based on properly disaggregated33 data. 34 The CEDAW Committee also pinpointed the particular importance of such participation in order to prevent and mitigate conflict.35 Protect women’s voices and participation in civil society,36 including in professional associations, women’s organisations, trade unions, community-based organisations37 and, by implication, in the media. Ensure women’s freedom of movement38. End discrimination against women in social and cultural life39, including women in rural areas40, with a particular focus on eliminating stereotypes of women41, which the Committee has explained are one of the main causes for perpetuating the ideas of ‘women’ upon which discrimination is built42 End discrimination and ensure women have equal access to education43, healthcare44, law,45 employment46 and other economic areas47. This includes protecting women in the workplace from sexual harassment48 and refraining from obstructing women’s access to healthcare.49 The CEDAW Committee has elaborated that using a genderapproach to delivering work, introducing mandatory gender-sensitive training, and enabling NGOs to monitor services50 will be necessary in order to end such discrimination. ARTICLE 19 - Censored gender: Women’s right to freedom of expression and information in Myanmar - Page 20