The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark 1979 international human rights treaty adopted by the UN. Its purpose is to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, ensuring equality in civil, political, economic, social, and cultural life. NFBPWC supports the passage and full implementation of CEDAW.
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CEDAW, often called the “international bill of rights for women”, sets global standards for eliminating discrimination against women in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and political participation.
The United States is one of seven countries in the world that have not ratified the Convention including: Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Tonga, Palau, and Nauru.
While the United States signed the Convention in 1980, it has yet to ratify, meaning it supports the principles but is not legally bound to uphold them.
Many U.S. cities have adopted CEDAW locally—even without federal ratification. This shows that progress on women’s rights can still happen at the local level, even without national adoption.
Equal Participation of Women and Men in Power and Decision-Making Roles.
NFBPWC is a national organization with membership across the United States acting locally, nationally and globally. NFBPWC is not affiliated with BPW/USA Foundation.
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