This article first outlines international standards preventing discrimination on the basis of sex and provides examples of laws in force around the world that are either facially or de facto discriminatory. Then the author highlights how the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) committee has dealt with evasion of obligations under CEDAW, highlighting Algeria and Nepal. Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action is discussed in light of its impact on CEDAW, namely spurring state objections to others states' reservations to CEDAW.