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The Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination against Women, 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.
"… 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 inequality 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 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, organisations
or enterprises.
The Convention provides the basis for realising
equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal
access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public
life - the right to vote and 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 targets
culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender
roles and family relations. It affirms women's right 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 once every for years, or measures they have
taken to comply with treaty obligations.
UNIFEM Caribbean continues to heighten
the use and awareness of the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for governments,
the judiciary, NGOs and key groups under the project Promoting
CEDAW in the Caribbean. This involves a public education campaign
on CEDAW, which includes the dissemination of televised dramatic
skits, radio infomercials and articles in the newspapers/
magazines and subregional/national workshops with the media.
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