Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women facts for kids

The Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (often called DEDAW) is an important statement from the United Nations. It shares the UN's ideas about women's rights. This declaration was adopted on November 7, 1967. It was a big step before a stronger, legally binding agreement called the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which came out in 1979.

The main goal of DEDAW was to help create gender equality. It aimed to protect the rights of women everywhere. A group called the Commission on the Status of Women helped write it in 1967. To make sure these ideas were put into action, the CEDAW agreement was created and officially started on December 3, 1981.

What DEDAW Says

The Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is set up much like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It starts with an introduction and then has eleven main points, called articles.

Article 1: Unfair Treatment is Wrong

Article 1 states that treating women unfairly is "fundamentally unjust." It says that such treatment goes against human dignity. This article makes it clear that discrimination against women is not acceptable.

Article 2: Equal Rights for Everyone

Article 2 asks countries to get rid of any laws or old customs that treat women unfairly. It also says that women should be seen as equal under the law. Countries are encouraged to agree to and follow existing human rights agreements that fight discrimination.

Article 3: Teaching Fairness

Article 3 calls for public education to help remove unfair ideas or prejudice against women. The goal is to teach everyone to respect women and treat them equally.

Article 4: Voting and Leadership Rights

Article 4 explains that women should have full rights to vote and take part in elections. This includes the right to vote, and the right to run for and hold public jobs or leadership positions.

Article 5: Changing Nationality

Article 5 says that women should have the same rights as men when it comes to changing their nationality. This means they can choose their country's citizenship freely.

Article 6: Fairness in Daily Life and Marriage

Article 6 calls for women to have full equality in everyday laws, especially concerning marriage and divorce. It also states that child marriages should be made illegal.

Article 7: Fair Treatment in Justice

Article 7 asks for an end to unfair treatment based on gender when it comes to legal consequences. This means women should be treated fairly by the justice system.

Article 8: Stopping Harmful Practices

Article 8 asks countries to fight against all forms of harmful practices that involve women. This article aims to protect women from being exploited.

Article 9: Equal Chances for Learning

Article 9 confirms that everyone has an equal right to education, no matter if they are a boy or a girl. It means all children should have the same chances to learn.

Article 10: Equality at Work

Article 10 calls for equal rights in the workplace. This includes not being treated unfairly when looking for a job, getting equal pay for equal work, and having paid time off for new parents (called maternity leave).

Article 11: Making it Happen

Article 11 asks countries to put the ideas of this Declaration into action. It encourages them to work towards making these principles a reality for women everywhere.

See also

In Spanish: Declaración sobre la eliminación de la discriminación contra la mujer para niños