Elimination of Discrimination against Women

The concept of equality means much more than treating all persons in the same way. Equal treatment of persons in unequal situations will operate to perpetuate rather than eradicate injustice. True equality can only emerge from efforts directed towards addressing and correcting these situational imbalances. It is this broader view of equality which has become the underlying principle and the final goal in the struggle for recognition and acceptance of the human rights of women.

In 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (see annex 1). The Convention sets out, in legally binding form, intemationally accepted principles on the rights of women which are applicable to all women in all fields. The basic legal norm of the Convention is the prohibition of all forms of discrimination against women. This norm cannot be satisfied merely by the enactment of gender- neutral laws. In addition to demanding that women be accorded equal rights with men, the Convention goes further by prescribing the measures to be taken to ensure that women everywhere are able to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women was established under article 17 of the Convention. The Committee is entrusted with the task of overseeing the implementation of the Convention by States parties.