Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Definition

CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations to promote women's rights and eliminate discrimination against women worldwide. It serves as a comprehensive framework for achieving gender equality by addressing various forms of discrimination and providing guidelines for countries to implement policies that protect women's rights in social, political, and economic spheres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CEDAW was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 1979, and has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted human rights treaties.
2. The treaty defines discrimination against women and outlines the obligations of signatory countries to eliminate such discrimination through legislative measures, policies, and practices.
3. CEDAW emphasizes the need for temporary special measures to accelerate the achievement of gender equality, acknowledging that certain conditions may require targeted actions to level the playing field.
4. Article 11 of CEDAW specifically addresses women’s right to work, calling for equal pay and access to employment opportunities free from discrimination.
5. The CEDAW Committee monitors the implementation of the treaty by reviewing reports submitted by countries every four years, providing recommendations for improvement in women's rights.

Review Questions

• How does CEDAW define discrimination against women and what are its key obligations for member states?
  • CEDAW defines discrimination against women as any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex that impairs women's enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The key obligations for member states include taking appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination in all areas of life, enacting laws that promote gender equality, and ensuring that women can participate fully in political, economic, and social spheres. This comprehensive approach helps create a framework for advancing women's rights globally.
• Discuss the significance of temporary special measures in achieving gender equality as outlined in CEDAW.
  • Temporary special measures are significant because they recognize that historical and systemic barriers often hinder women’s full participation in society. CEDAW allows these measures to be implemented to accelerate progress toward gender equality by providing targeted support and opportunities specifically for women. This could include initiatives like quotas for women in political offices or educational programs aimed at girls. By enabling these actions, CEDAW aims to address imbalances and create a more equitable environment for all genders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CEDAW's monitoring process through the Committee's reviews of state reports in promoting women's rights globally.
  • The effectiveness of CEDAW's monitoring process lies in its structured approach to hold countries accountable for their commitments to women's rights. By requiring states to submit periodic reports detailing their progress and challenges, the Committee can assess compliance and provide targeted recommendations. This process fosters dialogue between member states and civil society organizations, creating a platform for advocacy and awareness. However, challenges remain in terms of enforcement and political will among countries, which can hinder meaningful progress despite the treaty's robust framework.

Related terms

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, promoting equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals.

Discrimination: Unfair treatment of a person or group based on characteristics such as gender, race, or ethnicity, leading to inequality and injustice.

Women's Empowerment: The process of enabling women to have control over their lives, make their own choices, and influence decision-making in society.