Hansa Mehta Honored by UNGA President Dennis Francis for Her Role in Shaping Human Rights
On the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis paid tribute to Hansa Mehta, a feminist leader, activist, and diplomat from India. He highlighted her pivotal role in making the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) more inclusive.
Mehta is widely credited for successfully arguing against references to ‘men’ as a synonym for humanity. She changed the phrase ‘All men are born free and equal’ to ‘All human beings are born free and equal’ in Article 1 of the UDHR. This change was a significant milestone in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality.
During a ceremony marking the day, Francis emphasized the importance of gender equality in diplomacy, noting that it reflects broader societal progress towards inclusivity and respect for the rights of women and girls. He praised the historic contributions of women diplomats who have broken barriers and enriched multilateralism throughout history.
Speaking passionately about Hansa Mehta’s influence, Francis posed a poignant question: ‘Would the Universal Declaration of Human Rights be truly universal today if Hansa Mehta had not insisted its opening line be changed from ‘all men’ to ‘all human beings’ are born free and equal?’
The UNGA President also reiterated the UN’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women diplomats globally, recognizing their indispensable contributions to shaping a more just and inclusive world.
Hansa Mehta, born on July 3, 1897, was a prominent Indian scholar, educator, social reformer, and writer. As the President of All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) in 1946, she led the drafting of the ‘Indian Women’s Charter of Rights,’ which demanded gender equality, civil rights, and justice for women in India. She was also part of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution and played a pioneering role in drafting the UDHR. Mehta was one of the only two female delegates, along with Eleanor Roosevelt, to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
