Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly.Described as an international bill of rights for women, it was instituted on 3 September 1981 and has been ratified by 189 states. Over fifty countries that have ratified the Convention have done so subject to certain declarations, reservations, and objections, including 38 countries who rejected the enforcement article 29, which addresses means of settlement for disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention. Australia's declaration noted the limitations on central government power resulting from its federal constitutional system. The United States and Palau have signed, but not ratified the treaty. The Holy See, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga are not signatories to CEDAW. The CEDAW Chairperson position is currently held by Hilary Gbedemah. The Convention has a similar format to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 'both with regard to the scope of its substantive obligations and its international monitoring mechanisms'. The Convention is structured in six parts with 30 articles total. Article 1 defines discrimination against women in the following terms: Article 2 mandates that states parties ratifying the Convention declare intent to enshrine gender equality into their domestic legislation, repeal all discriminatory provisions in their laws, and enact new provisions to guard against discrimination against women. States ratifying the Convention must also establish tribunals and public institutions to guarantee women effective protection against discrimination, and take steps to eliminate all forms of discrimination practiced against women by individuals, organizations, and enterprises. Article 3 requires states parties to guarantee basic human rights and fundamental freedoms to women 'on a basis of equality with men' through the 'political, social, economic, and cultural fields.' Article 4 notes that 'doption...of special measures aimed at accelerating de facto equality between men and women shall not be considered discrimination.' It adds that special protection for maternity is not regarded as gender discrimination. Article 5 requires states parties to take measures to seek to eliminate prejudices and customs based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of one sex or on stereotyped role for men and women. It also mandates the states parties 'o ensure...the recognition of the common responsibility of men and women in the upbringing and development of their children.'