Convention On The Elimination Of All Forms Of Discrimination Against Women
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Dhruv Acharya, B.B.A. LL.B., School of Law, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bengaluru
ABSTRACT
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is a pivotal international human rights treaty dedicated to achieving substantive gender equality. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, CEDAW establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the advancement of women's rights and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms. This paper analyzes the Convention as a central pillar of international law, examining its historical context, substantive provisions, and monitoring mechanisms. The Convention's significance lies in its broad, explicit definition of discrimination and its obligation on States Parties to take all "appropriate measures," including legislative action, to ensure women's full development and equality.
A key feature of CEDAW is its holistic approach, which extends beyond traditional civil and political rights to address the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of discrimination. The treaty uniquely recognizes the impact of cultural traditions and gender stereotypes, obligating States to modify social and cultural patterns that perpetuate inequality. Furthermore, it places a strong emphasis on women's reproductive rights, integrating them as fundamental to achieving gender parity. The implementation of CEDAW is overseen by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee), which reviews States Parties' reports and issues recommendations, thereby providing a crucial mechanism for accountability and compliance. This paper argues that CEDAW represents not merely a declaration of rights, but a binding agenda for legal and social transformation, making it an indispensable instrument in the global pursuit of gender justice.
Keywords: CEDAW, Women's Rights, Gender Equality, International Law, Comparative Analysis, India, Canada, United States, Saudi Arabia, Human Rights.
