The adoption of General Recommendation No. 39 (GR 39) by the CEDAW Committee marks a historic and transformative step in the recognition of the rights of Indigenous Women and girls. For the first time, an international human rights instrument comprehensively acknowledges the distinct identities, histories, and experiences of Indigenous Women and girls, and the systemic discrimination they face not only as women, but also as Indigenous peoples.
This milestone is the result of many years of tireless efforts, advocacy, and strategic engagement by generations of Indigenous Women, elders, youths, knowledge holders and grassroots defenders at local, national, and international levels. Their persistent voices and collective action were instrumental in placing the realities of Indigenous Women and girls firmly on the global human rights agenda. As Indigenous Women, we carry a deep and enduring connection to our lands, cultures, and communities. Yet, across the globe, our rights continue to be undermined by colonial legacies, structural inequality, gender-based violence, and the denial of our collective rights. GR 39 affirms that these realities must no longer be ignored. It provides a powerful framework for States to uphold their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of Indigenous Women and girls in a way that is rooted in our identities, knowledge systems, and lived realities.
GR39 is more than a legal framework it is a political and cultural declaration of the dignity, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous Women. It calls for systemic change and reaffirms the holistic nature of our rights in all spheres of life. It is vital that Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous Women and girls, are aware of the significance of GR 39 and how to use it. This guide aims to make GR 39 accessible and practical, so it can serve as a strategic tool to hold governments accountable, influence policies, and assert our rights both as women and as Indigenous peoples.
We encourage Indigenous communities and organizations to interpret and adapt this guide in ways that reflect their specific contexts, languages, and customary systems ensuring it becomes a living instrument grounded in community realities. More importantly, GR 39 offers an opportunity to strengthen our unity and collective power. By using this tool together across territories, regions, and movements we can deepen solidarity among Indigenous Women and amplify our voices in the global fight for justice, equality, and self-determination. In doing so, we not only protect our individual and collective rights we help shape a future that honors the dignity and contributions of Indigenous Women everywhere.
Through this guide, FIMI and IPRI reaffirm our commitment to the wide dissemination and effective implementation of GR39, as part of the Global Implementation Plan. We will continue working alongside Indigenous Women and their organizations to ensure this tool reaches communities, informs action, and drives transformative change. The adoption of GR39 is a milestone but not the end. Our shared task now is to ensure its full implementation, so that its principles are reflected in policies, laws, institutions, and daily life Let this guide be a companion in our ongoing struggle for equality, a resource for resistance, and a testament to the strength and leadership of Indigenous women. Joan Carling Executive Director, IPRI Teresa Zapeta Executive Director, FIMI.
