CEDAW

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 and entering into force in 1981. It defines discrimination against women and sets out a comprehensive framework of obligations for states to eliminate discrimination in civil, political, economic, social, and cultural life, with the aim of achieving gender equality.

The treaty obliges parties to amend or abolish laws and practices that discriminate on the basis of sex and to guarantee equal rights in education, employment, health care, political participation, marriage and family life, and access to resources. It also calls for the elimination of gender stereotypes and harmful practices that hinder women's equality.

Implementation is overseen by the CEDAW Committee, a body of 23 independent experts that monitors compliance by States Parties. Countries must submit periodic reports, and the Committee issues general recommendations to clarify treaty provisions. An Optional Protocol to CEDAW, adopted in 1999, allows individuals and groups to submit complaints or inquiries regarding grave or systematic violations of rights under the treaty.

The treaty has achieved broad ratification and has influenced national laws and policies on gender equality, violence against women, education, and participation in political and economic life. Critics note that enforcement depends on voluntary reporting and UN mechanisms rather than hard enforcement, and reservations to certain provisions or cultural arguments can limit impact. CEDAW continues to shape reform through general recommendations and state reporting reviews and has connections with related initiatives such as the Beijing Platform for Action and UN Women.