Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world. CEDAW defines discrimination and provides a practical blueprint to promote human rights and open opportunities for women and girls in all areas of society. The Treaty calls on each ratifying country to overcome barriers to discrimination in the political, social, economic, and cultural fields. This includes addressing issues of domestic violence, trafficking, affordable health care and child care, economic security, pay inequities, paid family leave, and educational and vocational opportunities.
To date, 187 out of 193 United Nations member states have ratified CEDAW. The United States is one of only six countries—along with Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Palau and Tonga—that have not ratified CEDAW.
- Check out our fact sheet on the CEDAW (PDF), which explains how the convention is an important step for civil and human rights.
- Check out a list of organizations that support the ratification of CEDAW.
- Check out a joint statement (PDF) in support of CEDAW from 75 organizations.
- Check out the 2010 testimony of Leadership Conference President and CEO Wade Henderson before the Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law
- Visit CEDAW 2015 for more information on the campaign to ratify the treaty.
- Click here for more information about the Cities for CEDAW campaign.
- Check out the International Center for Research on Women's report, "Recognizing Rights, Promoting Progress."
- D.C. City Council Pushes Forward Local CEDAW Initiative - 03/06/15
- How the Nation's Capital is Trying to Lead on Women's Equality - 01/23/15
- In Absence of Senate Ratification, CEDAW Progress Moves to Local Level - 12/18/14
- 34 Years After Signing, United States Still Hasn't Ratified CEDAW - 07/17/14
- Recognizing the Importance of Women’s Rights Treaty on International Women’s Day - 03/07/14
- Gender Equality Panel Highlights Need for CEDAW Ratification - 03/20/13
- Women’s Advocates to Discuss Economic Benefits of CEDAW at World Bank Event - 02/29/12
- Senate Hearing on Women and the Arab Spring Movement Highlights Need for U.S. to Ratify Women’s Rights Treaty - 11/03/11
- Women's Rights Advocates Make the Case for CEDAW Ratification - 12/03/10
- Women's Rights Treaty Turns 30; Time for the U.S. to Ratify - 12/18/09
- Senate Finally Puts Women's Rights on Agenda- 06/18/02
- U.S. Must Take Steps to Protect Women's Rights, Say Advocates - 07/25/03
- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Votes for Women - 07/30/02