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 General Assembly, aiming to eliminate discrimination against women and promote gender equality. It serves as a bill of rights for women, addressing issues like political participation, education, employment, and health, while emphasizing the role of governments in ensuring women's rights. The convention connects closely with globalization as it reflects the growing international consensus on women's rights, which can challenge traditional notions of state sovereignty and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CEDAW was adopted on December 18, 1979, and has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it a significant instrument for women's rights globally.
2. The convention mandates states to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including social, political, and economic aspects.
3. CEDAW established a monitoring body called the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, which reviews the progress of ratifying countries in implementing the treaty's provisions.
4. The convention emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and legislation, pushing states to transform social norms that perpetuate discrimination against women.
5. CEDAW has been pivotal in shaping national laws and policies related to women's rights in many countries, influencing legal reforms in areas such as family law, labor rights, and reproductive health.

Review Questions

• How does CEDAW influence national policies regarding gender equality and women's rights?
  • CEDAW influences national policies by requiring ratifying countries to adopt measures that eliminate discrimination against women. This includes transforming laws and social norms that inhibit women's rights and implementing policies that ensure gender equality in various sectors. By establishing guidelines for what constitutes discrimination against women, CEDAW encourages countries to create legal frameworks that support women's participation in political, economic, and social life.
• Discuss the implications of CEDAW on state sovereignty and how it intersects with globalization.
  • CEDAW challenges traditional concepts of state sovereignty by promoting international standards for women's rights that governments are expected to uphold. This intersection with globalization occurs as countries become part of a global community that prioritizes human rights and gender equality. As nations ratify CEDAW, they may need to align their domestic laws with international norms, which can lead to tensions between national interests and global expectations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CEDAW in achieving its goals across different cultural contexts and the barriers it faces.
  • While CEDAW has significantly advanced women's rights globally, its effectiveness varies across cultural contexts due to differing interpretations of gender roles and societal norms. In some regions, cultural resistance to gender equality may hinder implementation efforts. Additionally, the lack of enforceable mechanisms within CEDAW poses challenges for holding countries accountable for non-compliance. To fully realize its objectives, a comprehensive approach that considers local cultures while promoting universal human rights is necessary.

Related terms

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender; a key focus of CEDAW.

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that belong to all individuals, often highlighted in the context of CEDAW as women's rights are human rights.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; CEDAW can challenge traditional views of sovereignty through its emphasis on international norms.