The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the General Assembly in December 1979 and it is, in essence, the international bill of rights for women.

The Convention requires states to eliminate discrimination against women in the enjoyment of all civil, political, economic and cultural rights. It also establishes programmatic measures for states to pursue in achieving equality between women and men.

Currently, 173 countries - more than two- thirds of the members of the United Nations - have ratified the Convention, committing themselves to a legally binding international treaty, including participation in a country-by-country reporting process.

An additional 97 countries have signed the treaty, binding themselves to do nothing in contravention of its terms.

The CEDAW Committee comprises experts in the field of women’s rights from 23 countries. These 23 experts are elected by secret ballot from a list of individuals nominated by the countries that are party to the Convention. In this election, consideration is given to equitable geographical distribution, as well as to representation of different civilizations and legal systems. The 23 Committee members serve in their personal capacity, and not as delegates or representatives of their countries of origin.