Article by Derica Alba Kotzé

© Unisa Press (Africanus 39 (1) 2009-ISSN: 0304-615X)

ABSTRACT Although the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment is named as an explicit goal in the MDGs, this goal is neither integrated into all the MDGs nor is it embedded in an explicit human rights perspective. This paper argues that the eradication of gender inequality and the promotion of women empowerment through gender mainstreaming are the most important tools in promoting and achieving the MDGs. It emphasizes the centrality of a women’s human rights approach to the MDGs and shows the direct link that exists between the MDGs, gender equality and women empowerment, and that the MDGs should be evaluated in terms of women’s human rights. Keywords: gender, millennium development goals, human rights, gender equality, women empowerment, gender mainstreaming. INTRODUCTION This article focuses on the undeniable interrelatedness between the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), gender equality and women empowerment from a human rights perspective. Firstly, it looks at the importance of gender mainstreaming for gender equality and women empowerment and secondly, it focuses on the centrality of a women’s human rights approach to achieve the MDGs.