Claiming Women's Social and Economic Rights in Australia

The article discusses the status of social and economic rights within Australia and why these rights have special significance for women, particularly under neoliberalism. It argues that unless these rights are realised, women’s equal and meaningful participation within our democracy will remain constrained. The article examines the issues that advocates have raised regarding these rights through international and domestic avenues. It suggests that despite their limited enforceability, framing women’s claims in terms of social and economic rights has some value within struggles to achieve women’s equality and deepen democracy in Australia.