The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. As of July 2011, 187 states have ratified or acceded to the treaty. Described as an international bill of rights for women, it defines the meaning of discrimination against women, and establishes an agenda of action for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sex in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres, as well as specific areas concerning women and girls.

Described as an international bill of rights for women, it defines the meaning of discrimination against women, and establishes an agenda of action for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sex in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres, as well as specific areas concerning women and girls.

The Convention moves beyond guarantees of equality and equal protection, and provides measures for the realization of equality between men and women. The State parties have a duty to eliminate discrimination against women through legal, policy and programmatic means, as well as to report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on measures taken to fulfill their commitments.

The Initiative fully supports CEDAW and its efforts, and encourages the progressive contributions made. The initiative calls for a positive reflection on the progress of CEDAW, as well as the inclusion of cultural diplomacy practices in protecting rights for women. In this way, Cultural diplomacy serves as means for facilitating dialogue and cooperation in the area of women?s rights. While considering the progressive developments of CEDAW we will reflect on the significance of women in politics. Through a focus on women in politics, we will encourage an analysis that examines what we believe is a decisive factor in the effectiveness of CEDAW.