Who was Hansa Mehta?
Born on July 3, 1897, Hansa Mehta was a distinguished figure in Indian history, known for her contributions to education, social reform, and women's rights advocacy. After completing her studies in philosophy at Baroda College, she furthered her education at the London School of Economics in Britain. Upon her return to India, she played a pivotal role in the fight against British colonial rule, leading the Desh Sevika Sangh in protests against foreign cloth shops in Bombay. Hansa Mehta was also a trailblazer for women's representation in politics, becoming the first woman elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1937. She was deeply involved in crafting the 'Indian Women's Charter of Rights' and was instrumental in the drafting of the Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Hansa Mehta's Legacy:
As an advocate for gender equality and human rights, Hansa Mehta pushed for a more inclusive language in the UDHR, changing 'all men are born free and equal' to 'all human beings are born free and equal.' Her efforts marked a significant milestone in the global fight for women's rights and equality. Recognized for her achievements, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1958. Hansa Mehta was a key figure in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, standing alongside Eleanor Roosevelt as a prominent female delegate.
Dennis Francis' Tribute:
At a special event commemorating Hansa Mehta, UNGA President Dennis Francis underscored the importance of gender equality in diplomacy. He praised the contributions of female diplomats like Hansa Mehta in advancing inclusivity and women's rights worldwide. Francis posed a thought-provoking question, asking if the UDHR would be truly universal today without Hansa Mehta's insistence on inclusive language. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment, calling for concrete action to dismantle gender stereotypes, combat workplace harassment, redistribute care work, and eliminate the gender pay gap.
In conclusion, Hansa Mehta's indelible mark on the fight for women's rights and gender equality continues to inspire global efforts towards a more just and inclusive world.