BharatNotes CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
A 1979 UN treaty called the "international bill of rights for women," obligating state parties to eliminate discrimination against women in political, economic, social, cultural, and civil life.
Context & Background
Adopted by UN General Assembly December 1979; entered into force 1981; India ratified 1993 with some reservations.
UPSC Exam Relevance
Optional Protocol allows individual complaints (India has not ratified this); often cited in gender justice questions; CEDAW Committee reviews state party reports.
