Eva Caneiro: Discrimination of women is still a problem all over the world

The United Nations Convention  on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field."

Easier said than done, isn't it? We hear numerous cases of discrimination everyday and there's a big one in the news today; the case of former doctor of Chelsea FC and her employers. 

Eva Carneiro, 42, is a Gibraltar-born British sports medicine specialist who is best known for serving as the first-team doctor of Chelsea from 2009 to 2015.

Dr Carneiro claimed that she was sexually discriminated against after she went on to the pitch to treat Chelsea player Eden Hazard during the opening day of the Premier League season last August.

She claimed that Mr Mourinho shouted the Portuguese phrase "filha da puta" at her, which means "daughter of a whore", as she ran on to the pitch.

  

                           

                                                  Eva Carneiro and Jon Fearn

                                           

Hazard had to leave the pitch, briefly leaving the team with only nine men at what Mr Mourinho said was a crucial stage in the game.

Chelsea went on to draw 2-2 with Swansea and Mr Mourinho publicly criticised both Dr Carneiro and first team physio Jon Fearn for being "impulsive and naive".

Dr Carneiro also alleged that on 10 August last year Mr Mourinho said that he did not want Dr Carneiro on the bench at the next match, adding: "She works in academy team or ladies team, not with me."

They also claim Chelsea took no action following complaints about sexually explicit chanting at various away games - in particular at Manchester United and West Ham - and a lack of female changing facilities.

Dr Carneiro claims she was not provided with a club suit, and regularly had to endure sexually explicit comments from her colleagues.

The case was finally brought to an end today. 

Addressing the tribunal, Daniel Stilitz QC, for Chelsea and Mr Mourinho, said: "We are pleased to be able to tell the tribunal that the parties agreed a settlement on confidential terms."

Chelsea said in a statement: "The club regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress caused.

"We wish to place on record that in running onto the pitch Dr Carneiro was following both the rules of the game and fulfilling her responsibility to the players as a doctor, putting their safety first.

"Jose Mourinho also thanked Dr Carneiro for the excellent and dedicated support she provided as first team doctor and he wishes her a successful career."

In a statement Dr Carneiro said: "I am relieved that today we have been able to conclude this tribunal case. It has been an extremely difficult and distressing time for me and my family and I now look forward to moving forward with my life.

"My priority has always been the health and safety of the players and fulfilling my duty of care as a doctor."

Images: Getty