Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

In brief: The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and is the most comprehensive international agreement on the basic human rights of women. In the nations that have ratified the treaty, CEDAW has been instrumental in fighting the effects of discrimination, which include violence, poverty, lack of legal protections, property rights and access to credit.

The United States is the only nation in the Western Hemisphere and the only industrialized democracy that has not ratified CEDAW. Only seven other countries have not ratified CEDAW, including Iran, Sudan and Somalia. 

Status and details  |  Complete history

---

The General Federation of Women's Clubs supports the United Nations and the United States participation in the United Nations, and encourages the U.S. to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

By accepting CEDAW, countries commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:

• incorporating the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolishing all discriminatory laws, and adopting appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women;
• establishing tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and
• ensuring elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations, or enterprises.

Learn More

»Read the full text of CEDAW

»Support basic rights for all women: urge the U.S. to ratify CEDAW