Eliminating Discrimination
Against Women
This article discusses the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a bill of rights for women adopted in 1979. This bill defines what is considered “discrimination” against women, and sets up an agenda for ending such discriminatory acts. The Convention provides and official definition of what discrimination against women entails, including “any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex.” If the States accept the terms of the Convention, they will have to make many changes to help eliminate discrimination. This includes abolishing any discriminatory laws, establishing institutions that ensure the protection of women from discrimination, and eliminating all acts of discrimination against women by people or corporations. This bill provides a basis for establishing equality between men and women, providing women with equal opportunities in politics, education, health, and employment. Legislatures would make it possible for women to enjoy their full human rights and fundamental freedoms. This bill is the only human rights treaty that gives women full reproductive rights, as well as targeting cultural aspects of life that help shape gender roles in the family. There would also be the establishment of laws against all forms of trafficking women and the exploitation of women. Countries that abide by this bill have to establish the required legislation, and must provide reports at least every four years.
This article relates to my thesis because it provides an example of an organization trying to provide women with rights. My thesis claims that women have rights without the freedom to use them, and this bill is trying to be passed globally so that women everywhere are equal to men and are not restricted by the discriminatory laws in their country. The fact that a bill like this needs to be passed shows how women aren’t treated equally, and how their rights are being limited through discrimination.
This article relates to my thesis because it provides an example of an organization trying to provide women with rights. My thesis claims that women have rights without the freedom to use them, and this bill is trying to be passed globally so that women everywhere are equal to men and are not restricted by the discriminatory laws in their country. The fact that a bill like this needs to be passed shows how women aren’t treated equally, and how their rights are being limited through discrimination.