CEDAW is the most important human rights treaty for women. The Convention’s states
parties are legally obliged, firstly, to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women
in all areas of life, and, secondly, to ensure women’s full development and advancement
in order that they can exercise and enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms
in the same way as men. Thirdly, a state party must allow the CEDAW Committee to
scrutinize its efforts to implement the treaty, by reporting to the body at regular
intervals.
