The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is undoubtedly the most comprehensive international legal instrument addressing women's rights. It brings together in a single binding document provisions requiring the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sex, and in so doing, is key to the promotion of gender equality.
In recognition of the important role parliaments can play in promoting and ensuring respect for women's rights, the IPU and the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women held a one day information seminar on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 19 October 2006, at the IPU Headquarters in Geneva.
Over 100 legislators from 50 countries took part in the meeting. Countries whose national report would be examined by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its forthcoming sessions in 2007, as well as members of parliament from those countries whose report had been recently studied by the Committee were especially invited.
The seminar elaborated on the role of parliaments and parliamentarians in the ratification and implementation of the Convention, highlighting the need for them to be involved in the preparation and submission of the annual national reports to the United Nations Committee and its follow-up.
Debates also focused on parliaments' role in combating violence against women. A presentation of the recent in-depth United Nations study on the same subject was made by the representative of UNDAW.
