Promoting and Protecting the Human Rights of Women and Girls A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions Under CEDAW, States parties have obligations of means or conduct and obligations of results. They are required to develop and implement policies, programmes and institutional frameworks that aim to fulfil the specific needs of women and lead to the full development of their potential on an equal basis with men. Countries that have ratified or acceded to CEDAW are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also required to submit national reports, at least every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN SUMMARY OF ARTICLES Article 1: Definition of discrimination Defines discrimination against women to cover all aspects of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 2: Obligations on Governments States parties must eliminate discriminatory laws, policies and practices in their national legal frameworks. Article 3: Equality Women are fundamentally equal with men in all spheres of life. Governments must take measures to uphold women’s equality in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural life of the country. Article 4: Temporary special measures Governments may implement temporary special measures to accelerate women’s equality. Article 5: Prejudice Governments agree to modify or eliminate practices based on assumptions about the inferiority or superiority of either sex. Article 6: Trafficking in persons Governments agree to take steps to suppress the trafficking of women, their exploitation and prostitution. Article 7: Political and public life Women have an equal right to vote, to hold public office and to participate in civil society. Article 8: International work Women have the right to work at the international level without discrimination. Article 9: Nationality Women have equal rights with men to acquire, change or retain their nationality and that of their children. Article 10: Education Women have equal rights with men in education, including equal access to schools, vocational training and scholarship opportunities. Article 11: Employment Women have equal rights in employment, including to be free from discrimination on the basis of marital status or maternity. Article 12: Health Women have equal rights to affordable health care services. 16