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The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often
described as an international bill of rights for women.
Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what
constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an
agenda for national action to end such discrimination.
The Convention 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."
By accepting the
Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series
of measures to end discrimination against women in all
forms, including:
· to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in
their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and
adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against
women;
·
to establish tribunals and other public institutions to
ensure the effective protection of women against
discrimination; and
·
to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against
women by persons, organizations or enterprises.
The Convention
provides the basis for realizing equality between women and
men through ensuring women's equal access to, and equal
opportunities in, political and public life -- including the
right to vote and to stand for election -- as well as
education, health and employment. States parties agree to
take all appropriate measures, including legislation and
temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all
their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Convention is the
only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive
rights of women and targets culture and tradition as
influential forces shaping gender roles and family
relations. It affirms women's rights to acquire, change or
retain their nationality and the nationality of their
children. States parties also agree to take appropriate
measures against all forms of traffic in women and
exploitation of women.
Countries that have
ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to
put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to
submit national reports, at least every four years, on
measures they have taken to comply with their treaty
obligations.
Learn more...
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