CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, is an international treaty that obligates nations to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in all areas, promoting equal rights and freedoms, and is often called the "international bill of rights for women". 

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.

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.

Despite being a global leader, the USA's failure to ratify CEDAW is a blatant disregard for gender equality. It's time for our nation to step up and fulfill our commitment to promoting and protecting women's rights!

Let's stand together and demand that our government fulfill its duty to protect the rights of women and girls. And create a brighter, safer, future for all.

 

Who & What does CEDAW Cover?

THE RIGHTS OF ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS

- no matter their race, ethnicity, age, sexual and secures their rights in:orientation, nationality, age, disability, economic or any other background.

The INTERSECTIONAL approach

of CEDAW means it reflects the diversity of women and addresses intersecting forms of discrimination ntersecting foms of discrimination that many other forms of equality legislation do not.

CEDAW recognizes that women and girls face discrimination in every aspect of their lives, and secures their rights in: 

• Employment

• Health

• Education

• Economic & Social benefits

◦ Marriage & Family Life

• Political Participation

• Equality under the Law

 

https://cjil.uchicago.edu/print-archive/designing-women-definition-woman-convention-elimination-all-forms-discrimination​

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Elimination_of_All_Forms_of_Discrimination_Against_Women​

https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/#:~:text=The%20Convention%20is%20the%20only,the%20nationality%20of%20their%20children