State obligations

Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least every four years; on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations (See also CEDAW Reporting).

The Philippines, as a signatory to the treaty (States Party), bears a State obligation to pursue, with all appropriate means and without delay, a policy of eliminating discrimination against women and to this end, undertake to:

• Embody the principle of equality in constitution and laws;
• Ensure practical realization of the principle of equality;
• Prohibit discrimination against women;
• Refrain from discrimination;
• Eliminate discrimination by any person, organization or enterprise;
• Modify or abolish laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination; and
• Repeal discriminatory penal provisions.