Senior Adjunct Professor of Global Leadership and Associate Dean of International Affairs Rangita de Silva de Alwis was recently elected to serve as one of the UN’s top leaders in the worldwide fight against gender-based discrimination. During the 2023-2026 term, de Silva de Alwis will serve as an independent expert on the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The Committee is tasked with implementing and monitoring the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (“CEDAW”) – a landmark treaty whereby 189 of the 193 UN Member States have pledged to both eradicate discrimination against women in every form and ensure women’s advancement “in order that they can exercise and enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms in the same way as men.”
An internationally recognized voice for women’s human rights, de Silva de Alwis has advocated for the advancement of women’s human rights around the world through her diplomacy, public service, and widely publicized scholarship. In addition to teaching at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, de Silva de Alwis directs the Global Institute for Human Rights and leads the Advancing Inclusive Leadership program.
A diverse range of esteemed women’s human rights advocates from around the world offered resounding support for de Silva de Alwis’s election:
An Ally to Every Region
Zainab Hawa Bangura of Sierra Leone, Under Secretary General and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON):
“Prof. Rangita de Silva de Alwis deserves to be on the CEDAW Committee more than anybody else I know because of her commitment to gender empowerment and gender equity. She brings a voice to all the various challenges faced by women during conflict, at the workplace, and at home. She gives women a face and a voice. I will always be supportive of the great work she will continue to do. It has been a great joy, honor, and pleasure to walk with her on this journey.”
“Rangita is a formidable women’s human rights lawyer with extensive knowledge of the CEDAW and anti-discrimination globally. Her work speaks to policymakers, scholars, activists, and women in different parts of the world.”
“I extend my fullest support for Rangita’s candidacy for the CEDAW Committee. Rangita is a truly phenomenal champion for human rights and wonderful advocate for women’s rights. I have enjoyed partnering with Rangita on access to justice, women’s empowerment and women’s economic and social advancements. Her work on the CEDAW Committee will truly advance all of these issues. I really cannot recommend anyone more highly.”
A Voice from Asia, and a Voice for Global Human Rights
“Afghanistan women have an unfinished agenda jeopardized by the Taliban. In this struggle Professor Rangita de Silva de Alwis instrumentalizes our movement though her expertise on the CEDAW. Her dedication to Women’s Rights in Afghanistan is extraordinary and exemplary. Now more than ever, we need Rangita on the CEDAW Committee to ensure that our rights are not rolled back.”
Radhika Coomaraswamy, Former Under Secretary General and the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict and the first UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women:
“Rangita’s deep analysis and comprehensive knowledge of CEDAW makes her an ideal candidate. In addition, the brilliance of her scholarship, her energy, and enthusiasm will bring a new dynamism to CEDAW’s work.”
“I have always admired, not just Rangita’s commitment to women’s rights in general, but also the energy with which she pursues the goals of CEDAW. I look forward to seeing her as part of the CEDAW Committee. Rangita will be an invaluable addition to the committee!”
An Established Changemaker
“I am pleased to submit my personal recommendation for Rangita de Silva de Alwis in support of her candidature for membership at CEDAW. Rangita is a brilliant expert on the CEDAW and the WPS agenda. She has extraordinary knowledge of gender equality legal frameworks around the world. Her appointment to the CEDAW Committee will help advance gender equality and women’s leadership in different parts of the world.”
“Rangita is a great source and flowing river of inspiration as well as an extraordinary role model whose many years of dedication to the disadvantaged are guided by her unwavering commitment to justice, courage and honor. She stands with the furthest left behind – women with disabilities and those who struggle with multiple disadvantages—and amplifies their voices for equality and justice.”
A Candidate Who Can Merge Technical Expertise of the CEDAW With Ground Reality
“Rangita de Silva is exceptionally qualified for this role – exceptionally knowledgeable about CEDAW and deeply committed to its full implementation everywhere. I can’t imagine a better candidate for the CEDAW Committee.”
“Rangita is an extraordinary champion of the CEDAW dedicating her entire professional life to working with governments and multilaterals on accountability and compliance under its various articles, including child marriage, honor crimes, acid attacks, Women, Peace and Security, and substantive equality. And she has done that with passion, conviction and knowledge, for which she enjoys the well deserved recognition of the United Nations.”
“I know of no one with more expertise, tenacity, and devotion when it comes to advancing women’s rights and realizing the promise of CEDAW; Rangita would be a stellar contributor to the efforts to protect against gender-based violence and to make human rights meaningful regardless of an individual’s gender.”
“My very warmest congratulations to Rangita. She has been a relentless advocate for realizing the full promise of the CEDAW. Her service on the Committee will advance the Convention’s goals and the aspirations of all humans to finally end all forms of discrimination against women.”
A Resonant Leader and Educator at Penn Carey Law
“Rangita de Silva de Alwis’s election to CEDAW signifies an important victory and harbinger of optimism for women around the world, as her trailblazing scholarship and indefatigable advocacy render her a bold leader in the crucial fight against gender-based discrimination. Penn Carey Law is extraordinarily proud of her accomplishments, and we look forward to continuing to support her work toward global gender equity.”
Eduarda Lague L’21, former Research Assistant and student in Professor de Silva de Alwis’s Women, Law, and Leadership course:
“As a student in Professor de Silva de Alwis’s classes, not only do you have the privilege of learning from her extensive knowledge about the laws and nuances of women’s human rights, but you also have the honor of feeling the passion with which she approaches the immense task of advancing gender equity. To be in her presence is to be empowered and inspired, and her election to the CEDAW Committee is wonderful news for women everywhere.”
“All I can say is WOW! She is a trailblazer and an inspiration. We thank her for shedding light on the CEDAW and the struggle for women’s rights around the world in the classroom. I greatly appreciate her contributions to my academic and personal success.”
Learn more about the Law School’s commitment to global human rights.