Human Rights of Women

This inaugural presentation delivered by the Chair of the CEDAW Committee reviews the status of the rights of women under different human rights instruments, their actual condition, and the development of the work of CEDAW. She argues that the equality of men and women in all spheres of life cannot be fully achieved through mere signature, ratification, or accession to an international treaty. However, international human rights law could be an effective instrument for the promotion of social and political awareness of women's issues throughout the globe, which is also conditioned on the degree of social advancement, education, and information in each country. To that end, a conscientious campaign of information and education is essential.