---
title: "CEDAW Definition and Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "CEDAW is the 1979 UN treaty aimed at eliminating discrimination against women, crucial for civil rights advocates and policymakers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cedaw"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- CEDAW is the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, a legally binding treaty defining and prohibiting sex-based discrimination.
- When was CEDAW adopted and when did it enter into force?
- What are 'temporary special measures' under CEDAW?
- How has India incorporated CEDAW domestically?
- Why are reservations to CEDAW exam-significant?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

CEDAW is the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, a legally binding treaty defining and prohibiting sex-based discrimination.

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## Research CEDAW like a delegate

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## Timeline

1. 18 December 1979

   The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 34/180 on a…

2. 3 September 1981

   The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 34/180 on 18…

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Example

In Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997), the Indian Supreme Court relied on CEDAW Articles 11 and 24 to lay down binding guidelines against workplace sexual harassment, later codified by Parliament in the 2013 Act.

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## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

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