Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, usually known as CEDAW, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 and came into force in 1981. It is often described as an international bill of rights for women. States that ratify it commit themselves to ending discrimination in politics, education, employment, health and family life, and to ensuring equality in law. A committee of experts reviews the reports of the states that have joined, and an optional protocol of 1999 allows individual complaints. Most countries are parties to it, though the United States has signed but not ratified it, and some states have made reservations.

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