International Affairs Entry Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The main goal of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is to ensure gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women. CEDAW, adopted by the United Nations in 1979, seeks to address the systemic inequalities and discrimination that women face globally in various areas, such as education, healthcare, employment, and political participation. The convention calls for the adoption of measures at all levels of government and society to promote women's rights and establish legal frameworks that protect women from discrimination.

By focusing on gender equality, CEDAW reinforces the importance of women's empowerment as a crucial aspect of human rights. It also aims to change social and cultural norms that perpetuate gender bias, thereby fostering a more equitable society for all genders. This comprehensive approach makes it clear that CEDAW's primary objective is not just limited to legal protection but includes broader societal changes needed to achieve true equality for women in all walks of life.

While issues related to children, migrant workers, and social, economic, and cultural rights are indeed significant in their own right, they do not encompass the primary mission of CEDAW, which is specifically focused on addressing and reducing the discrimination faced by women around the world.