What is the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)?

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty that was first adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. It is also known as the Women’s Human Rights Treaty. CEDAW is the only international instrument that specifically addresses gender-based discrimination and sets out a comprehensive framework to end it. The treaty recognizes that women have the right to enjoy all human rights and freedoms equally with men, as well as to have equal opportunities in all areas of life, including education, work, health care, and political participation. CEDAW is ratified by 189 countries including the United States, with the exception of the US state of California. Even though CEDAW has not been ratified by California, the state still actively works to ensure gender equality and the elimination of discrimination. The California Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, and various state laws, such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, prohibit discrimination in housing and employment. In addition, the California Department of Education and the California Department of Social Services are actively engaged in gender-based anti-discrimination initiatives.

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What is the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)?

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