A/HRC/51/28 issue in the African context.8 The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has studied indigenous knowledge in relation to cultural heritage.9 B. Terminology 8. The terminology “scientific and technical knowledge” is used in lieu of the more common “traditional” or “customary” knowledge in response to calls to avoid language that devalues the ideas of indigenous peoples. Historically, indigenous knowledge has been viewed as primitive, inferior, unscientific, superstitious or even dangerous. Characterizing indigenous knowledge as “scientific and technical” emphasizes that it is based on observations and is contemporary and dynamic, not static and fixed in time. It further emphasizes indigenous knowledge as a sophisticated set of understandings of no less value than the other kinds of knowledge that often form the foundation of “western” science. For example, scientists are now calling for the recognition and support of indigenous scientific knowledge systems to preserve natural resources and mitigate against climate change. 9. The present report uses quotations or refers to legal norms that retain the terminology used in the cited texts at the time they were drafted. In such cases, the shift in terminology set out above may not be reflected. C. Gender focus 10. Despite increasing attention paid by international bodies to indigenous knowledge and culture, no United Nations study has previously examined the topic from a gender-based perspective. While recognizing and not diminishing the contributions of men in developing and perpetuating knowledge, such a study is necessary to highlight the unique challenges faced by indigenous women in retaining and revitalizing their role as knowledge keepers. The focus of the present study also fulfils the duty of special procedure mandate holders to take account of gender in carrying out their work.10 11. In addition, in resolution 42/20, the Human Rights Council mandated the Special Rapporteur to pay special attention to the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous children and women, and to take into account a gender perspective in the performance of the mandate. 12. Discrimination against indigenous women hinders equal access to lands and resources, limits development opportunities and restricts women’s participation in decisionmaking processes. The imposition of male-dominated colonial structures on indigenous women has often undermined and marginalized their status as bearers of unique knowledge and custodians of biodiversity. The Special Rapporteur focuses on women because their role in developing, transmitting, producing and applying knowledge continues to be hindered by racism, gender discrimination and violence. IV. International legal framework 13. The development, application, preservation and transmission of indigenous women's knowledge is inextricably linked to the way they use their territory, lands and resources. Indigenous knowledge is transmitted through indigenous languages, storytelling, collective practices and ceremonies. For that reason, the recognition and legal protection of indigenous scientific knowledge is required to protect the collective dimension of its manifestation and the loci of its production. In that context, the protection of collective indigenous rights, such as the rights to self-determination, autonomy, lands and resources, is foundational to protecting indigenous knowledge effectively. Also, the protection of indigenous women’s knowledge operationalizes the right to be free from assimilation, as established in several 8 9 10 4 E/C.19/2013/5 and E/C.19/2014/2. A/HRC/30/53. See “Manual of operations of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council” (August 2008).