Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

Definition

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted in 1979 aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality. It serves as a critical legal framework for addressing issues of women's rights, influencing national legislation and policies while also holding countries accountable for their commitments to achieve gender equality. The convention links closely to broader human rights efforts and is a fundamental component of the international legal framework on non-discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 and came into force in 1981, becoming one of the first international treaties dedicated exclusively to women's rights.
2. Countries that ratify CEDAW commit to taking all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas, including political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
3. CEDAW has been ratified by 189 states, making it one of the most widely accepted human rights treaties in the world.
4. The treaty mandates state parties to report regularly on their progress towards eliminating discrimination against women, allowing for oversight and accountability.
5. CEDAW's optional protocol allows individuals or groups to bring complaints about violations of women's rights directly to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women address the challenges faced by women under existing human rights frameworks?
  • CEDAW specifically targets gender-based discrimination, which has often been overlooked in broader human rights discussions. By providing a comprehensive legal framework focused solely on women's rights, it highlights the unique challenges women face in various contexts. This targeted approach enables a more effective response to issues like domestic violence, economic inequality, and political disenfranchisement, which may not be fully addressed by more general human rights instruments.
• In what ways does CEDAW strengthen the international legal framework on non-discrimination?
  • CEDAW complements other human rights treaties by specifically addressing gender discrimination and ensuring that women’s issues are included in discussions about non-discrimination. By ratifying CEDAW, countries commit to reviewing and amending laws that perpetuate gender inequality. This proactive stance reinforces the idea that discrimination based on gender is a violation of fundamental human rights, thereby strengthening international norms against all forms of discrimination.
• Evaluate the impact of CEDAW on national policies and legislation regarding gender equality and women's rights across different countries.
  • CEDAW has had a profound impact on national policies and legislation by serving as a benchmark for countries aiming to improve gender equality. Many nations have reformed their laws related to marriage, family rights, and workplace equality as a direct response to their commitments under CEDAW. However, while some countries have made significant strides toward eliminating gender discrimination, others continue to struggle with implementation and enforcement, revealing disparities in how effectively international standards can translate into local realities.

Related terms

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, ensuring that men and women have equal conditions for realizing their full human rights.

Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, particularly based on attributes such as gender, race, or age.

Human Rights Committee:

A body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its state parties, often addressing issues related to gender discrimination.