16th Session for the Forum on Minority Issues Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socio-economic Participation Oral Statement We at the Sikh Human Rights Group recognise neglecting a gendered perspective when addressing minority issues risks overlooking diverse challenges, reinforcing stereotypes, and creating incomplete solutions that perpetuate inequalities. We suggest the Forum adopts a dedicated advisory or working subgroup focused on Gendered Pluralism in Minority Rights. An advisory group would specifically concentrate on advocating and developing strategies that ensure the integration of a gendered pluralistic perspective in all policy discussions and implementation frameworks within the forum. It could consist of experts, activists, and representatives from various minority communities, with a particular focus on gender diversity and inclusion. The group could conduct research and produce targeted recommendations tailored to the forum's specific discussion areas. In focusing on legislation and policies, their role could extend to drafting inclusive guidelines integrating gendered pluralism into crucial sectors like healthcare, education, economics, and technology to ensure accessibility within minority communities. Moreover, they could be asked to plan or lead specialised sessions during the forum, aiming to educate participants on the importance of a gendered pluralistic perspective. These sessions can be designed to encourage dialogue, share best practices, and craft actionable plans to improve understanding and resolution of minority issues. By incorporating a dedicated advisory, focused on gendered pluralism, it would not only underscore the significance of this perspective but also actively engage in ensuring that gender diversity and inclusion remain central to the discourse and actions undertaken to achieve more inclusive societies for minority communities worldwide.

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