Convinced thatthe full and complete developmentof a country, the welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women on equalterms with menin all fields, Bearing in mind the great contribution of womento the welfare of the family and to the developmentof society, so far not fully recognized, the social significance of maternity and the role of both parentsin the family and in the upbringing ofchildren, and awarethatthe role of womenin procreation should not be a basis for discrimination but that the upbringing of children requires a sharing of responsibility between men and womenandsociety as a whole, Awarethat a changein the traditional role of men as well as the role of womenin society and in the family is needed to achievefull equality between men and women. Determined to implementthe principles set forth in the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Womenand,for that purpose, to adopt the measuresrequired for the elimination of such discriminationinall its forms and manifestations, Have agreedon the following: PART I Article 1 For the purposesofthe present Convention,the term “discrimination against women” shall mean 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 humanrights and fundamental freedoms in thepolitical, economic,social, cultural,civil or any otherfield. Article2 States Parties condemn discrimination against womenin all its forms, agree to pursue by all appropriate means and withoutdelay a policy of eliminating discrimination against womenand,to this end, undertake: (a) To embodythe principle of the equality of men and womenin their national constitutions or other appropriate legislation if not yet incorporated therein and to ensure, through law andother appropriate means,the practicalrealization of this principle; (b) To adopt appropriate legislative and other measures, including sanctions where appropriate, prohibiting all discrimination against women; (c) To establish legal protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to ensure through competent national tribunals and otherpublic institutions the effective protection of womenagainst anyactof discrimination; (d) To refrain from engagingin any actor practice of discrimination against women and to ensurethat public authorities and institutions shall act in conformity with this obligation; (e) To takeall appropriate measuresto eliminate discrimination against womenbyanyperson, organization orenterprise; (f) To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customsandpractices whichconstitute discrimination against women; (g) To repeal all national penal provisions whichconstitute discrimination against women. Article 3 States Parties shall takein all fields, in particular in the political, social, economic and culturalfields,all appropriate measures,includinglegislation, to en sure thefull development and advancementof women,for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoymentof humanrights and fundamentalfreedomson a basis of equality with men.