In which year UN General Assembly adopted CEDAW?

The correct answer is 1979.

Key Points

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 1979.
• CEDAW is often described as the international bill of rights for women.
• The treaty came into force on 3 September 1981 after being ratified by 20 countries.
• CEDAW focuses on ensuring gender equality and eliminating discrimination against women in all forms, including political, economic, social, cultural, and civil spheres.
• As of now, nearly 189 countries are parties to CEDAW, making it one of the most widely ratified international treaties.

Additional Information

• CEDAW Key Provisions:
  • It requires signatory nations to eliminate discrimination against women in laws, policies, and practices.
  • Countries are obligated to submit regular reports to the CEDAW Committee, detailing their progress in implementing the treaty.
• Optional Protocol:
  • Adopted in 1999, it allows individuals or groups to submit complaints about violations of CEDAW directly to the Committee.
  • It also permits the Committee to initiate inquiries into grave or systematic violations.
• UN General Assembly:
  • The UN General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
  • It is responsible for adopting international treaties and conventions, such as CEDAW.
• Challenges to CEDAW Implementation:
  • Many countries have entered reservations to some provisions of CEDAW, limiting its full implementation.
  • Social and cultural barriers often hinder progress toward achieving gender equality.