What is the 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 human rights treaty that was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. CEDAW is one of the most comprehensive international human rights treaties devoted to the protection of the rights of women and girls. The purpose of the treaty is to end discrimination against women in all forms, including discrimination in the workplace, in educational institutions, in access to health care, in marriage and family relationships, and in the legal system. CEDAW applies to all countries that have ratified it and who are legally obliged to respect, protect and uphold the rights of women under the Convention. The Convention is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which meets annually to review the implementation of the treaty and to consider reports on how countries are meeting their obligations. In Florida, the Convention is part of the Florida Statutes. Florida laws such as the Florida Gender Equality in Education Act prohibit discrimination against women in education and the Florida Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers to pay equal wages to women doing the same work as men. In addition, the Florida courts have interpreted CEDAW to require employers to provide an environment free from sexual harassment. CEDAW is a critically important treaty that provides global protection for the rights of women and girls, and Florida is one of many states that recognizes and implements the treaty in its laws and policies.

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What is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women?

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