Summary of articles and provisions

Article 1: Definition of Discrimination – Defines discrimination against women to cover all facets of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Article 2: Country duties – Countries must eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices in the national legal framework.

Article 3: Equality – Women are fundamentally equal with men in all spheres of life. Countries must take measures to uphold women’s equality in the political, social, economic, and cultural fields.

Article 4: Temporary special measures – Countries may implement temporary special measures to accelerate women’s equality.

Article 5: Prejudice – Countries agree to modify or eliminate practices based on assumptions about the inferiority or superiority of either sex.

Article 6: Trafficking – Countries agree to take steps to suppress the exploitation of prostitution and trafficking in women.

Article 7: Political and public life – Women have an equal right to vote, hold public office, and participate in civil society.

Article 8: International work – Women have the right to work at the international level without discrimination.

Article 9: Nationality – Women have equal rights with men to acquire, change, or retain their nationality and that of their children.

Article 10: Education – Women have equal rights with men in education, including equal access to schools, vocational training, and scholarship opportunities.

Article 11: Employment – Women have equal rights in employment, including without discrimination on the basis of marital status or maternity.

Article 12: Health – Women have equal rights to affordable health care services.

Article 13: Economic and social life – Women have equal rights to family benefits, financial credit, and participation in recreational activities.

Article 14: Rural women – Rural women have the right to adequate living conditions, participation in development planning, and access to health care and education.

Article 15: Equality before the law – Women and men are equal before the law. Women have the legal right to enter contracts, own property, and choose their place of residence.

Article 16: Marriage and family – Women have equal rights with men in matters related to marriage and family relations.

Articles 17-24: The Committee on CEDAW and reporting procedures.

Articles 25-30: Administration of the Convention.