The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

Former name
Type
Context

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 1979. It is often described as an international bill of rights for women, and it came into force on 3 September 1981. The Convention defines discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.

Background

The movement to draft a comprehensive treaty aimed at the promotion of women's rights began in the 1960s with the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW, established in 1946, was instrumental in promoting women's rights and highlighted the need for a specific mechanism to address discrimination against women globally.

Objectives and Structure

The primary objective of CEDAW is to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in all sectors of life. This includes discrimination in political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field. The Convention consists of a preamble and 30 articles, which detail the rights of women and the measures that state parties must take to protect these rights.

Key Provisions

• Article 1 defines discrimination against women as any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex.
• Article 2 obligates states to condemn discrimination and establish legal protections for women's rights.
• Article 3 calls for the advancement of women in all areas of human endeavor.
• Article 7 and Article 8 focus on eliminating discrimination in political and public life.
• Article 11 addresses the elimination of discrimination in employment and labor rights.
• Article 12 focuses on women's health rights, particularly in the field of reproductive health.

Implementation and Monitoring

The implementation of CEDAW is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, a body of independent experts that oversees the progress of the Convention's implementation by its state parties. States must submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights of the Convention are being implemented.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its widespread ratification, the implementation of CEDAW has faced challenges. These include cultural resistance, lack of political will, and insufficient resources in many countries. Some countries have placed reservations on certain parts of the Convention, citing conflicts with national laws or cultural practices.

Impact

CEDAW has been instrumental in promoting women's rights and shaping global standards for gender equality. It has inspired changes in national laws and policies in various countries, enhancing women's legal rights and access to resources.

See Also

• United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women
• Beijing Declaration
• Gender Equality