CEDAW

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The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, also widely known as CEDAW, was enacted in 1979 to ensure that women globally are all accepted as equals and treated with the same dignity and respect. CEDAW is a significant agreement that was implemented with the idea and decision to empower women. The treaty accomplishes the importance in prohibiting forms of gender inequality. Moreover, the CEDAW promotes education and the inspiration to take action against gender inequality. 

CEDAW was adopted in December 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two years later, the bill had been ratified by more than 20 countries. In the present, the bill currently ratifies 189 state parties. Because CEDAW is a bill, countries that have upheld the bill are a part of international law and therefore, are also legally permitted to abide by the practices set into place. Countries and states that have adopted CEDAW are to guarantee women's equal rights and to provide the same access to basic liberties to men. Nations are also required to submit reports to share progress and receive advice on the enactment of the bill. The CEDAW committee, composed of 23 representatives from countries globally, receives and regulates the implementation of CEDAW.

Also known as the Women’s bills of rights, it consists of 30 articles that define discrimination and other policies / regulations. Articles 1-4 of the bill establish the goals for countries globally to actively end discrimination against women and girls. The articles provide several ways to promote equal rights and actions to end discrimination. Articles 5-16 identify the types of inequality that women may face, including ones of political and employment. Articles 17-30 describe the relationship that CEDAW has with countries. It describes how CEDAW is involved globally and further regulations. In the bill, categories that fall into discrimination are stated as such: "...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."

Despite being a national law that has been ratified in 189 countries, it is still unrecognized and underappreciated in many countries. Many factors have negatively impacted a nation’s ability to implement the bill. Factors such as limited resources may set a country back from being able to fully progress in publicizing the bill. Another important factor in the implementation of the bill is determined by the will of a country. Although CEDAW is a bill, it does not have to be enacted, with certain countries leaving the bill out of its government system. However, it is important in the progression of a country to recognize the rights of women and create them to be equal to one of a man. 

The impact of The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women should not be overlooked. The bill, being ratified in 189 countries, has helped women gain rights equal to a man. CEDAW is a human rights treaty aimed at achieving the goal of creating a society where women live with the same rights as men. It is also aimed at the future and the inspiring actions that many will take to fight for such rights. 

Sources : 

https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/ 

https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/Library/Publications/2016/CEDAW-for-Youth.pdf 

https://www.boell.de/en/2019/12/10/cedaw-40-years-what-have-we-learned-and-what-has-improved