The Optional Protocol for the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against women: Strengthening the Protection Mechanisms

This article presents a very brief historical overview of the different stages through which women's rights have passed at the international level. Special attention is given to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, adopted in 1979 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The main focus is the elaboration of an Optional Protocol to this Convention. The Protocol aims to strengthen the mechanisms that exist to protect the rights of women at the international level. The author reviews the obstacles and difficulties confronted to give greater enforcement mechanisms to CEDAW.