Constituting Equality: Comparative Constitutional Law and Gender Equality at the Indiana University School of Law–Bloomington on March 23 and 24, 2007
Interest in comparative constitutional law has exploded in recent years, but the burgeoning field has paid little attention to issues of gender equality. This international conference will highlight the broad range of constitutional mechanisms for promoting gender equality in nations around the world. Our approach is conceptual rather than geographical, focusing on the thematic issues facing both existing constitutions and those on the drafting table.
Panels will address:
- the impact of constitutional protection for customary and religious law on gender equality;
- building gender into the structure of government through electoral gender quotas or women’s commissions;
- substantive constitutional rights of particular concern to women, such as reproductive rights;
- constitutional incorporation of international law on gender equality;
- and the role of women in the process of constitution-making.
The conference brings together participants from five continents and a wide range of professional experiences, including activists as well as academics from several disciplines. Our goal is to achieve a greater understanding of the promise and pitfalls of constitutional mechanisms for promoting gender equality under different conditions.
For more information, see our webpage or contact Susan Williams at shwillia@indiana.edu
