The Convention on the The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Discrimination Against WomenWomen

An Introduction

What is equality?Why is CEDAW needed?What does CEDAW cover?Next steps

What is equality?What is equality?Every person in St Helena is

entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual ... Without distinction of any kind, such as sex...

The expression “discriminatory” means affording different treatment to different persons on any ground such as sex...

Equal treatment of persons in unequal situations will only operate to perpetuate rather than eradicate injustice. True equality can only emerge from efforts directed towards addressing and correcting these situational imbalances.

What does CEDAW add?What does CEDAW add?

Comprehensive definition of discrimination

Spells out specific goals and measures

Recognises need for education and a change in attitudes

Requires states to tackle causes of inequality by promoting social change

Discrimination against Discrimination against womenwomen Any distinction, exclusion or

restriction made on the basis of sex which has the 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.

Direct discriminationDirect discrimination

A person discriminates against a woman if, on the grounds of her sex, he/she treats her less favourably than he/she treats or would treat a man.

Indirect discriminationIndirect discriminationHe/she applies to her a provision,

criterion or practice which applies or would apply equally to a man but:

Which is such that the proportion of women who can comply with it is considerably smaller than the proportion of men who can comply with it, and

Which cannot be shown to be justified, and

Which is to her detriment because she cannot comply with it.

Obligations of States Obligations of States partiesparties

Eliminating discriminationAppropriate measuresModifying social and cultural

patternsTemporary special measures

Positive actionPositive action

A way of trying to counteract deep-rooted or historic disadvantage by providing under-represented or disadvantaged groups with help to ensure they have the same chances as others.

Genuine Occupational Genuine Occupational RequirementsRequirements

Selection on gender grounds is allowed where being of a particular gender group is a genuine occupational requirement.

What does CEDAW cover What does CEDAW cover (2)?(2)?Trafficking and

the exploitation of prostitution

Public and political life

International representation

NationalityEducation

EmploymentHealth careEconomic and

social lifeRural womenCivil rightsMarriage and

family life

Violence against womenViolence against women

Not specificCovered by article 1 – definitionPublic authority, individual,

organisation, enterprise, workplace, domestic violence

State protectionDue diligence

Next stepsNext steps

Checking legal complianceReporting to CEDAW CommitteeEnsuring that steps continue to

be taken to extend compliance.

Thank you.Thank you.