International Bill of Women's Rights "CEDAW" stands for:

The correct answer is Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Key Points

• CEDAW stands for Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979.
• It is often referred to as the International Bill of Rights for Women, aimed at promoting gender equality globally.
• CEDAW requires signatory nations to eliminate discrimination against women in all forms, including political, social, economic, and cultural spheres.
• Countries that ratify CEDAW are legally bound to ensure equal opportunities and rights for women by implementing the provisions outlined in the convention.
• CEDAW also establishes the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which monitors the progress of nations in implementing the convention.

Additional Information

• Key Provisions of CEDAW:
  • Ensuring women’s rights to vote, hold public office, and participate in public life.
  • Eliminating discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and marriage rights.
  • Preventing gender-based violence and trafficking of women.
• CEDAW Adoption and Ratification:
  • CEDAW was adopted on 18 December 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly.
  • It came into force on 3 September 1981 after being ratified by 20 countries.
  • As of today, 189 countries are parties to CEDAW.
• India’s Role:
  • India ratified CEDAW on 9 July 1993, committing to eliminate discrimination against women.
  • India introduced several policies and laws, including the Domestic Violence Act (2005) and Maternity Benefit Act (2017), to align with CEDAW principles.
• Challenges in Implementation:
  • Many countries face cultural, social, and political barriers in fully implementing CEDAW provisions.
  • The monitoring committee often highlights gaps in enforcement and recommends reforms.