The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Christine Chinkin

Chapter 21 in Handbook on Gender in World Politics, 2026, pp 131-137 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), tracing its origins from early UN human rights instruments to its status as a widely ratified treaty. It outlines CEDAW's structure, which mandates the elimination of discrimination against women in public and private spheres and across civil, political, economic, social and cultural domains. The chapter highlights significant challenges, such as the extensive reservations made by states that undermine the treaty's universal application. However, it emphasizes the crucial role of the CEDAW Committee in progressively interpreting the Convention through General Recommendations and jurisprudence under its Optional Protocol. This dynamic approach has expanded CEDAW's scope to address intersectional discrimination, gender-based violence and women's rights in conflict. Despite these advancements and civil society efforts, the global commitment to women's human rights remains fragile, threatened by non-implementation and resurgent backlash.

Keywords: CEDAW; Women's Human Rights; Gender-based Violence; International Law; CEDAW Committee (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781803923765
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