World YWCA attends 42nd session of CEDAW
The 42nd session of the Convention of the Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from October 20 – November 7.
The following countries will present country reports
| Bahrain Belgium Cameroon Canada Uruguay |
Ecuador El Salvador Krygzstan Madagascar |
Mongolia Myanmar Portugal Slovenia |
CEDAW is often referred to as the international human rights treaty for women. Over 185 countries have ratified the convention and many more have adopted specific laws to support this international bill of rights for women.
The 2007 World Council adopted a resolution requesting the YWCA movement to place emphasis on CEDAW implementation as an affirmation of the organisations commitment to global action for women. This important resolution calls on YWCAs to take part in the monitoring and implementation of CEDAW in their countries and in preparing periodic reports including NGO alternative or shadow reports to the Committee on CEDAW.
YWCA Canada will be keeping a close eye on the 42nd session of CEDAW. The association recently issued its report on the Status of Women and organisers hope it will get the attention of politicians during their national election. The report calls for a national childcare programme, equal pay for women in the work force, a national poverty reduction plan and a plan to combat violence against women and girls.
Related Stories:
World Council 2007 Resolution "CEDAW and its Optional Protocol" (PDF 30.62 KB)
- CEDAW official website
- Full text of the Convention (available in various languages)
- How to write a shadow/alternative report (IWRAW website)
- State/government reports on implementation of CEDAW as well as submitted shadow reports can be found on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights website.
