The Convention defines discrimination against women as “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.”
“By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:
- to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women;
- to establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and
- to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations or enterprises.”
- “take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of the country.” This includes the right to vote, to hold public office, to “participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country” and to “to represent their Governments at the international level and to participate in the work of international organizations”;
- “grant women equal rights with men to acquire, change or retain their nationality”;
- ensure “equal rights with men in the field of education,” including the same opportunities “to participate actively in sports and physical education”;
- “take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of employment” including the right to equal remuneration; to social security; to protection of health and safety in working conditions; and to preventing discrimination against women on the grounds of marriage or maternity, including the introduction of “maternity leave with pay or with comparable social benefits without loss of former employment, seniority or social allowances”;
- “eliminate discrimination against women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, access to health care services, including those related to family planning”;
- “eliminate discrimination against women in other areas of economic and social life” including ensuring the “right to bank loans, mortgages and other forms of financial credit,” and the “right to participate in recreational activities, sports and all aspects of cultural life”;
- “take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in rural areas in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, that they participate in and benefit from rural development”;
- “accord to women equality with men before the law”; and
- “eliminate discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations.”