CEDAW is an international human rights agreement that specifically addresses the rights of women and girls. It defines human rights principles, concepts and related standards of conduct and obligations that States Parties to the Convention agree to fulfil.

CEDAW requires States Parties to ensure the equal recognition, exercise and enjoyment of human rights by women without discrimination on the basis of being a woman.

Under CEDAW, the State has to do more than just make sure there are no existing laws that directly discriminate against women. It must also make sure that all of the necessary arrangements are put in place that will allow women to actually experience equality in their lives. Women’s empowerment and women’s active participation in all spheres of public and private life are fundamental resources for social change and prerequisites in the fight against global poverty.

CEDAW was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 1979.
It came into force on September 3, 1981.
As of 16 July 2009, 186 countries - over ninety per cent of the members of the United Nations - are party to the Convention.
This is a powerful expression of commitment to achieving gender equality.